32 Thoughts Podcast update on Calgary

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Subtle Billy Madison reference. Well done.

[playmaker]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

A hockey team wants to keep a top line right handed shot centre? Shocking. Come on guys.

Would he be a top line center in 2022 for the Avs? Or in 2023 for the Knights. Or perhaps in 2020 for the Bolts. Hawks in 2015, Crosby, Stamkos, Mackinnon, Eichel, Kopitar, Bergeron in their primes. If you want to win you need to compare your #1C an #1D against elite 2way players and game breaking talents.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by playmaker

Would he be a top line center in 2022 for the Avs? Or in 2023 for the Knights. Or perhaps in 2020 for the Bolts. Hawks in 2015, Crosby, Stamkos, Mackinnon, Eichel, Kopitar, Bergeron in their primes. If you want to win you need to compare your #1C an #1D against elite 2way players and game breaking talents.

When we get a generational level talent, they’ll be our number one. Obviously. I also don’t understand how a top centre years ago plays into a current centre not being a top line player. Really, I don’t understand any of this.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

There is never a right time for a rebuild. But having a handful of UFAs to trade, a new coach, and new GM feels like the right time to me.

They aren't going to win the cup next season and it's 50/50 they make the playoffs as a bottom seed. Next season really doesn't matter that much as it will go down in the books as another season where the Flames participated in the NHL regular season. What does matter is that the team is competitive when they open the new arena and keeping guys like Backlund and Lindholm probably ensure that they are in a San Jose situation to open up the new barn which is less than desirable when you are now jacking ticket prices for a new arena. Everything they are doing today should be with their eyes set on ensuring they have a quality team for the inaugural season at the new arena. I'm a little jaded so I expect the Flames to totally botch this but I'm hopeful that Conroy can prove to me that he's truly going to be different than Treliving.

[camm13]

Originally Posted by playmaker

Would he be a top line center in 2022 for the Avs? Or in 2023 for the Knights. Or perhaps in 2020 for the Bolts. Hawks in 2015, Crosby, Stamkos, Mackinnon, Eichel, Kopitar, Bergeron in their primes. If you want to win you need to compare your #1C an #1D against elite 2way players and game breaking talents.

All of that is irrelevant to this team. He has been a top center here for the last few years. Sure that also says something about the organization's depth chart. And would we love to have a top end C, where he gets pushed into a 2c role, obviously. But if Lindholm goes there's literally no one that could step into that role, and there's no prospect in the cupboard ATM that's going to grow in it.

[Red Slinger]

I don't think the Flames are in an ideal situation for a full rebuild. They have Huberdeau, Kadri and Markstrom signed long-term. You could move those contracts but you'd be selling low and the return would be really poor.

Two seasons ago many of the Flames players had career seasons. Last year, most of the key Flames players had the worst seasons of their careers. I suspect guys like Huberdeau, Kadri and Markstrom will regain at least some form.

So considering a rebuild is unlikely this year I think locking in Lindholm long-term would be prudent. If the team has another miserable season then they don't have a choice but to start selling and restocking picks and young players.

[Pickle Juice]

If Lindholm wants the team to contend and won’t commit to a rebuild sign on the dotted line and let Conroy do his job instead of handcuffing them until he makes a decision!

[sketchyt]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

It never ceases to amaze me how much people assume we are getting the full picture from the insiders, even the good ones, like Friedman. Especially when it comes to the the finer details, like if the team has set an internal deadline on Lindholm.

Way to much concern and jumping to conclusion, when Friedman reports "we aren't putting pressure on Lindholm" meaning Conny is going to just repeat the mistakes of the past.

It could mean that. It could also mean he has a different deadline than some people want. Or it could mean, nothing, and he has a hard deadline. Or it might just be what the Flames want out there or have communicated to Lindy. Maybe they want him to feel like he's in control, because that's the best way for the Flames to get what they want, but if he doesn't make a move, they'll shift tune.

I just wish people wouldn't assume we get the full picture from what's reported, it's often wrong, even from the credible sources. And delay their disappointment and judgements until things actually unfold.

Yes, but how else would these people keep themselves happy by fuelling their ego, anger and disappointment?

[Username: Flames]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

I was and still am hoping to win Lottomax. I think for his upcoming year I probably have a better chance than you do.

K, you get lotto max, but I get 649.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

They aren't going to win the cup next season and it's 50/50 they make the playoffs as a bottom seed. Next season really doesn't matter that much as it will go down in the books as another season where the Flames participated in the NHL regular season. What does matter is that the team is competitive when they open the new arena and keeping guys like Backlund and Lindholm probably ensure that they are in a San Jose situation to open up the new barn which is less than desirable when you are now jacking ticket prices for a new arena. Everything they are doing today should be with their eyes set on ensuring they have a quality team for the inaugural season at the new arena. I'm a little jaded so I expect the Flames to totally botch this but I'm hopeful that Conroy can prove to me that he's truly going to be different than Treliving.

It's been said ... but signing Elias Lindholm isn't running the whole thing back.

That has to be stated.

If they let the Lindholm decision hold them ransom and bring back the other five (assuming Hanifin is gone) with brutal contracts (or expiring contracts) then I think we can safely say this isn't a GM issue, but an ownership issue.

Given Conroy's comments about getting younger I can't see them signing all of them. And if they bring say 5 back with expiring contracts then he's directly gone against his asset management comment.

[Reign of Fire]

Originally Posted by Red Slinger

I don't think the Flames are in an ideal situation for a full rebuild. They have Huberdeau, Kadri and Markstrom signed long-term. You could move those contracts but you'd be selling low and the return would be really poor.

Two seasons ago many of the Flames players had career seasons. Last year, most of the key Flames players had the worst seasons of their careers. I suspect guys like Huberdeau, Kadri and Markstrom will regain at least some form.

So considering a rebuild is unlikely this year I think locking in Lindholm long-term would be prudent. If the team has another miserable season then they don't have a choice but to start selling and restocking picks and young players.

At this point, who will buy?

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

There are largely two trading seasons in the NHL, I think he should make use of the first one available if there's no extension.

Right, but if there is agreement between both parties to get an extension signed, what do you expect to happen before the draft? Before 1 July?

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[Username: Flames]

I wish they'd pull the trigger on Lindholm. This team will not win a championship, which should be the goal, not squeaking in to the playoffs.

I've said this in another thread: the current team reminds me of the late Iginla era flames. A team of overpaid, aged veterans who are destined to finish between 8th and 12th every season. Probably not 8th because they don't have the eye of the tiger.

[Vinny01]

I see the reaction fans have to the lack of deadline for Lindholm as very reasonable after we watched the Flames be completely paralyzed through draft weekend making zero moves, picking 3 players and no resolution on our high profile free agents. We do not want that to happen this year but the Hanifin trade that is likely to come and having picks in the first 2 rounds will make it less painful than last year. I have no doubt Conroy is working both sides and also recall Lindholm taking it right up to the draft the year we traded for him before he declined the Canes offer and was put into the trade mix.

[Red Slinger]

Originally Posted by Reign of Fire

At this point, who will buy?

You can always get rid of players, it just depends on the price.

[Beninho]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

There is never a right time for a rebuild. But having a handful of UFAs to trade, a new coach, and new GM feels like the right time to me.

If history tells us anything the Flames will see this as an opportunity to double down on not rebuilding.

[playmaker]

When we get a generational level talent, they’ll be our number one. Obviously. I also don’t understand how a top centre years ago plays into a current centre not being a top line player. Really, I don’t understand any of this.

Bergeron, Kopitar and Toews are not generational lever talents. They never dominated the league in terms of points and assists etc. But they were elite 2 way centers and I dare to say we haven't had such a player since Joe Nieuwendyk.

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

I like Lindholm but another contract taking a player to 37 just feels wrong. This team will have too much money tied up in players over 30.

Yep. Signing this guy to an 8X8.5 or whatever would be a huge mistake leaving $25M/year tied up for forever in 3 aging forwards who are only going to decline from here on out.

He would never sign it, but I would max out at 5x$8.5 with Lindholm and move on if the answer is a definitive no. This team simply cannot have more players signed long term, into their late 30s. Especially players that have already proven to unable to get the team over the hump.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by really?

Totally agree here. Unless Lindholm is absolutely set on re-signing in Calgary, and doesn't care about winning there is little chance he would sign before the draft.

There is no chance that Lindholm would sign before the Draft under any circumstances, because HE CANNOT SIGN A CONTRACT UNTIL 1 JULY.


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[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

Right, but if there is agreement between both parties to get an extension signed, what do you expect to happen before the draft? Before 1 July?

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I think it is fair to say the trading seasons are the weeks leading up to the deadline and the days leading up to the draft but I believe the trading season that is about to open up does not end at draft weekend and we often see trades right at the beginning of free agency so I do not think there is anything to really be worried about if Lindholm isn’t signed or traded right on July 1 but if we get into the dog days of summer with no contract or updates it will start to get a little concerning. Much more concerning if we open camp and Lindy is here without an extension and very concerning if the season opens without an extension or trade