Post Mortem : What happens now?

[OldDutch]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Canadian fans have patience for a rebuild.

At least, this Canadian fan does.

This is post-Iginla Rebuild that started 11 years ago? There have been highs and way more lows, but puts in perspective how long this group has been going at it. If we dismantle its going to take a while to get back. Although Tre hiring the wrong coach 3 times prolonged the ups and downs getting here.

Just amazing what it takes sometimes to build a good team.

Despite media fawning the Oilers (15 years in) are not there yet either. The Jets got to the conference finals few years ago right? Then faded out. I am thinking the Oilers with all their issues will take a step back next year.

So much time invested by fans and the outcome uncertain makes for a tough day like today.

That said they should try and sign Johnny and trade my favorite player Chucky. Try to get some players that one day could help carry him.

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by Southside

Started this morning with killing my Sportsnet package. If Hrudey returns on colour, I likely don't renew it.

For the team I think alot hinges on Johnny. Have to get that dealt with quickly so you know where you are at at draft and in free agency. Tre needs to get to work on that now. Every other decision basically has to wait that.

Sportsnet ran this series for free on Youtube. I just watched it there this season.

[CaptainCrunch]

Start the rebuild, coincide its completion with 2026-3037 when McDavid becomes a free agent.


HA HA HA HA



Could you imagine a Conna press conference when he states he wants to win a Stanley Cup with his childhood team the Flames and stick it to Shelbyville

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Psytic

Hope for a Hamilton style trade where the Flames end up better off. I think they have to do it. That D core cant handle fast teams.

Tkachuk had an incredible regular season, so there may be deals to be had. The Flames could walk away with a 60 point winger, that becomes a 70 point winger (basically what Tkachuk actually is) plus a #2/3 offensive d-man.

The trade could easily also blow up in their faces and they end up with Stajan/Hagman pt deux.

[Stanley]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

Here's how I would approach the off-season. This starts with the assumption that the team is not going to re-build, including because Darryl Sutter is the coach. They are going to go for it at least one more years. I'm also not going to suggest specific trades, as those are always guesses. I also think there is very little chance BT is fired. Almost none.

- Starts with Johnny and your confidence to sign him. I'm going to assume he re-signs. if he doesn't everything else is out the window.
- I would look hard at moving Tkachuk if you can get a good return. If you handle that right I think you can extend this team's contending window
- I think you have to give some young players a chance on the roster next season: Pelleiter, Mackey for sure.
- Therefore you start to look at who you re-sign and who you don't. Zadarov probably walks. Gudbransson I try to re-sign. Gudbransson + Mackey as your final pairing next year.
- I make Tanev the captain
- I try to re-sign Jarnkrok. He didn't produce but the team needs good two-way players and I think he is that. If he wants to be here at a affordable rate I try to get him to sign
- I hope that Lucic retires. He's done. He can't skate at the NHL pace.
- I have no idea to do with Monahan
- I wouldn't be opposed to selling high on Eat Bread. You can't overpay him or Kylington. But Kylington remains an intriguing guy that I think has another step if he can just calm down. His skills are fairly unique.
- I think the team needs a guy like Joe Pavelski, or Corey Perry. A veteran who just KNOWS how to play in the playoffs. Maybe a guy like Ondrej Palet who is a pending free agent. Would LOVE to take another run at Kadri but I don't know if that's realistic. But if you trade Tkachuk...maybe?

I think we'll see a big move this off-season involving one big name. But other than that, i think the team will be given another chance under Sutter. I think they DID take a step this season, but I'm not confident they have another one to take. We'll see I guess.

Pretty much an exact breakdown on how I see it too. Tkachuk left me really unimpressed. Captain material? Pfff nope. Mange I sell high on for sure.
Hanifin I just can't stand anymore too soft.

[iggyloob12]

Originally Posted by Psytic

Hope for a Hamilton style trade where the Flames end up better off. I think they have to do it. That D core cant handle fast teams.

The D core outperformed all expectations during the regular season, but Raz and Hanifin were in over their heads against top skill and speed—especially without Tanev. And the rest were not good. Not sure what they can do but they need another veteran piece back there that isn’t a pylon.

[EVERLAST]

Top players in the Regular season sometimes don't stay top players in the POs.

This is the reality for these players needing new contracts .
Performance earns $$$ and if the Tkachuks of the world wanna play hardball then off you go.....i don't want your selfish, entitled ,immature whatever here.....that goes for everyone.

I want playoff performers are guys willing to invest in a career here and not just in making $$$ and personal achievements.

Lastly ....if your going to shy away from contact , the corners , making a net front presence and only shoot from the perimeter in the playoffs you can't be here.

I could care less about Regular season stats .

if you want to win nothing and kill it in the regular season hey....good for you but do it somewhere else.

Quite bluntly that's what it will take for this team to be competitive every year. I've watched the other version for far too long and the older I get the less I want to invest my valuable time left watching mediocrity.

[Psytic]

Originally Posted by blankall

Tkachuk had an incredible regular season, so there may be deals to be had. The Flames could walk away with a 60 point winger, that becomes a 70 point winger (basically what Tkachuk actually is) plus a #2/3 offensive d-man.

The trade could easily also blow up in their faces and they end up with Stajan/Hagman pt deux.

He did it once getting Hannifin and Lindholm. We need that magic again or this is pretty much the teams peak. Really need some help on D. I dont know there isn't a lot of options. Knowing the Flames, maybe they try to run it back with the same team. They might be happy with a second round team every year and hope for internal growth from Mackey and Valimaki.

[calgaryred]

Originally Posted by PuckSlap

I’m really sad today..

I feel like this was our year. I have no idea what we’re gonna need to do, to get this back on track.

I’m just being honest here, but I don’t think this team can compete in the playoffs. They don’t have that lethal clutch player.

They made it to the 2nd round first time in 7 years, they are a good team that's on a learning curve. Not every good team makes it to the third round every year.

[calgaryred]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

I expect that if Johnny had continued to be as good and high profile as he was in the Dallas series we probably wouldn't be talking about the will he sign here question.


But he didn't have a great series against Edmonton, and the fans and media started targetting him as a guy who didn't get it going against the Oilers.


Why would he want to subject himself to the same old ad neaseum questions?


I fully expect that its likely that Johnny will take a look at the easier travel schedule and lower profile East, American market and be gone.

It's part of playing hockey, Flyer fans are just as hard on players as Flame fans are.

[Ashes]

Still processing this last series and I'm sure my opinions will change over the next few months but based on the whole body of work from this season here's my thoughts on the off-season:


Johnny - Re-sign Long Term, Gets the team to the playoffs, was over a PPG in playoffs and without Johnny this team would need to go scorched earth to replace what he brings. His best season as a Flame. If Johnny walks, most of this below is irrelevant, but I believe he signs long-term.

Tkachuk - Unless we hear on garbage bag day that he was dealing with some sort of nagging injury during playoffs.. I'd be very open to packaging him with a Valimaki/Mackey and going for a hockey trade like what Tre did with Carolina. Ideally we could acquire a high-end Center as the return, pushing Backlund to 3C and giving our Top 6 a new look.

Mangiapane - Re-sign on a 4 year deal (similar to Coleman/Toffoli), gives the team a pretty clear window of contention and we've seen progression from him year over year. The line with him, Backlund and Coleman were undoubtedly our strongest threat in this series.

Kylington - Re-sign, yeah he made a bunch of gaffs in the playoffs once Tanev went down, but he's only going to get better IMO. Would be great if he added some muscle this off-season and perhaps that would also help him stay on his feet. Just do squats for the whole summer please.

Monahan - LTIR for a full-season next year to get him back to 100% healthy, or package with a Tkachuk/Valimaki. I'm not going to bash the guy but I don't believe he's the answer to any of our problems, give him a fresh start and move that contract off the books if you can.

Lucic - No idea if they can get that contract off the books, love the guy and the toughness/leadership he brings but the game is too fast for him.

Jarnkrok - Let him walk IMO. I think at the time it was a good trade and one that I was hoping Tre would make but I'd rather give that roster spot to a Pelletier or FA with more to offer offensively.

Zadorov - I hope he re-signs, he's still young and fits the Flames identity. Fully expecting him to leave for more money though.

Gudbranson - Was better this season than I was expecting, it's felt all season like he's a guy we will re-sign on a discount and I hope that's the case. Need some of that toughness around the team especially if we lose Zadorov.

Lewis - Would be happy to re-sign him for league minimum. Or let him walk.

Ritchie - Let him walk as UFA

Stone - Would be happy to re-sign him for league minimum. Or let him walk.


What I'd love to see this off-season is a Top 6 center added to the core, and young guys like Pelletier/Mackey making a huge push in camp and making the team. We need these solid ELC guys to have an impact in order to free up cap space, that's how Tampa has done it and IMO they're the model to follow.

Don't blow the team up unless Johnny walks, and if that's the case and he does go out East.. get all possible first rounds picks for the Bedard draft, don't half-ass it.

[Badgers Nose]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Start the rebuild, coincide its completion with 2026-3037 when McDavid becomes a free agent.


HA HA HA HA



Could you imagine a Conna press conference when he states he wants to win a Stanley Cup with his childhood team the Flames and stick it to Shelbyville

With a lifespan like that he really must be Jesus!

[redmile04]

Lucic - No idea if they can get that contract off the books, love the guy and the toughness/leadership he brings but the game is too fast for him.

Any chance he retires??

Jarnkrok - Let him walk IMO. I think at the time it was a good trade and one that I was hoping Tre would make but I'd rather give that roster spot to a Pelletier or FA with more to offer offensively.

Gave up a lot to get him, why not keep him for a decent salary? Hes not overly old, 31 and is a good 2 way player, i think we just expected a bit more.

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch

Start the rebuild, coincide its completion with 2026-3037 when McDavid becomes a free agent.


HA HA HA HA



Could you imagine a Conna press conference when he states he wants to win a Stanley Cup with his childhood team the Flames and stick it to Shelbyville

I think that's Cale Makar and not McDavid... he's probably a Leafs fan.

[Toonage]

I'm betting everyone is back next year except for Zadorov, Lucic, Monahan & Lewis

[savardandjokinen]

People are giving up on Hanifin way too quickly...

Had a top pairing caliber season and is 25 years old. Him and Ras are the future of our defence.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by savardandjokinen

People are giving up on Hanifin way too quickly...

Had a top pairing caliber season and is 25 years old. Him and Ras are the future of our defence.

While facing McDrai witu Tanev injured and Markstrom off behind them.
That was the assignment from hell, they'll get stronger from this.

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by Toonage

I'm betting everyone is back next year except for Zadorov, Lucic, Monahan & Lewis

I only want Zadorov back. He's a great team player and make a size difference out there. He's probably looking for 4-5M though.

[dino7c]

Zadorov can come back for a similar deal...otherwise nah

[Hack&Lube]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1530255401127583744

Just added to the Zadorov thread but relevant here.