Valimaki: ‘Stupid’ that he’s sitting

[SeanCharles]

Originally Posted by scobel

Might be time to move on, maybe a Connor Brown for Jusso Valimaki trade? I think this would make sense for both teams.

I don’t see how that makes sense for the Flames..

Would be a foolish trade IMO.

[Unknown]

Well, I'm a Finn, so here's what Välimäki has said:

- he's frustrated and says that it feels stupid that now that he's healthy and able to play, they don't let him.
- he thinks that he deserves to get minutes and play.
- he thought that the games he played so far were pretty good, and he also got feedback from his improved play compared to last season.
- atm when the Flames had won 5 straight, he got out of the lineup, and the assistant coach told Juuso to not worry about it, and just be ready to play, and that has been the situation for a couple of weeks now.
- Välimäki hasn't gotten any explanations on why he isn't playing, although he has tried to ask why it is so.
- at the end of last season he spent some time as a healthy scratch, and Juuso thought that it would have ended this season, but no.
- he also says that Sutter is a tough guy for youngsters (you have to work really hard to get the minutes he usually gives to veteran players). He also gives Sutter credit because he's a good coach who can get the best out of the team.
- Välimäki's also a bit worried about the Olympics, because he really wants to be a part of team Finland, and it's not good for him to be a healthy scratch, because he should be playing and show Finland's Jalonen and Lehtinen that he belongs in the team.
- lastly, he says that he needs to continue to work hard, what he is doing, and that is the only thing he can do in order to get the minutes he thinks he deserves.

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by Unknown

Well, I'm a Finn, so here's what Välimäki has said:

I just wanted to say that it’s much appreciated. Thank you for taking the time and writing this up. It’s a lot better than google translate!

[activeStick]

Just because you're healthy, doesn't mean you get to play, Valimaki.

[devo22]

I understand his frustration though. I don't think he's done anything to warrant extensive pressbox duty, especially when you factor in Zadorov's play. I think the majority of fans would agree that he should have been back in against the Leafs, probably earlier.

Then again, I don't think voicing these thoughts publicly ever helps. Plus he only has to look at Kylington and what he's done ... he sat in the pressbox much more frequently than Valimaki, but he worked hard and forced the coaches hands eventually. Juuso is talented enough to do the same.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by dino7c

I highly doubt this

It’s always hard to predict this, but it’s clear his value in the NHL is very low. Seattle punted it’s pick against Chicago rather than taking him on, suggesting that no other team would even give up a 7th round pick for him.

Zadorov may simply go back home where he might find the contract situation better.


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[CliffFletcher]

It’s no secret that Sutter gives veteran players a longer leash. I can see why you don’t want to mess with a winning formula, but after a couple losses now it’s hard to see how Zadorov is keeping his spot in the lineup. And it’s concerning that Valimaki hasn’t been told what why he isn’t in the lineup.

[VilleN]

I understand this is a forum and the point is to express opinions. Imagine having an in person debate about player usage and on one side you have random cp poster and the other you have future hof, 2 time Stanley cup winning head coach Darryl Sutter… I know who I am siding with. That’s why I will trust him on this.

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by VilleN

I understand this is a forum and the point is to express opinions. Imagine having an in person debate about player usage and on one side you have random cp poster and the other you have future hof, 2 time Stanley cup winning head coach Darryl Sutter… I know who I am siding with. That’s why I will trust him on this.

The coach probably likes him and thinks he's got a lot more to give. Sutter usually has a reason. The player talking to the media not a good idea as Sutter always says what happens within the team stays within the locker room. Sutter probably believes Valimaki has a lot more in him just like we saw with Kylington.

[cannon7]

I think the Flames are realizing the expensive mistake they made with Zadorov and they're hoping that he can improve his play. They're going to let the veteran play his way out of the lineup. Valimaki just needs to be patient and make a good showing when the opportunity arrives.

[BigRed]

Also feel like the "I want to play to impress Team Finland" isn't going to go over super well with Sutter either.

[Coach]

I think Sutter has a pretty simple philosophy of until you prove otherwise, experience is a strong x-factor. IE as a rookie you need to be undeniably better than whoever is replacing you in the lineup. If a young player can’t fill the void, all things equal, someone who has NHL years is going to win out. If you can’t be better than journeyman players, that is what you will become. He hasn’t been better than Zadorov or Goodbrandson. Zadorov, there’s an argument to be made, but Valimaki hasn’t been noticably better than him. And Zadorov has a mean physical streak that Valimaki doesn’t. So. Be better.

I would imagine Jusso was going to get in really soon, but this won’t help him with a guy like Sutter.

[Major Major]

Originally Posted by Coach

I think Sutter has a pretty simple philosophy of until you prove otherwise, experience is a strong x-factor. IE as a rookie you need to be undeniably better than whoever is replacing you in the lineup. If a young player can’t fill the void, all things equal, someone who has NHL years is going to win out. If you can’t be better than journeyman players, that is what you will become. He hasn’t been better than Zadorov or Goodbrandson. Zadorov, there’s an argument to be made, but Valimaki hasn’t been noticably better than him. And Zadorov has a mean physical streak that Valimaki doesn’t. So. Be better.

I would imagine Jusso was going to get in really soon, but this won’t help him with a guy like Sutter.

I don't know that it won't help him get in. Valimaki being pissed off right now is a good thing. Him being meek when he gets game time has not been deserving of more gametime. If he puts him in today after he ran his mouth, you would think Jusso would be ready to assert himself.

[Classic_Sniper]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

No, Kylington was listed at 6'0" after his combine way back in 2015. Unless you think he's lost two inches since the Flames drafted him.

The idea that he gets manhandled is also just absurd.

He’s played just over one hundred games and he already has quite a few videos of him on YouTube getting bulldozed; and those are just the ones on YouTube, there’s probably ones that don’t make it on the highlight reel. I mean, maybe my definition of manhandled is different from everyone elses, but I'm just saying, I notice him getting hit a lot and hard too, relative to everyone else on the team and that includes 160 pound Johnny Gaudreau.

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by activeStick

Just because you're healthy, doesn't mean you get to play, Valimaki.

He deserves to play more than Zadorov.

The 3rd pairing being completely incapable of advancing the puck is a problem that he immediately solves.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper

He’s played just over one hundred games and he already has quite a few videos of him on YouTube getting bulldozed; and those are just the ones on YouTube, there’s probably ones that don’t make it on the highlight reel. I mean, maybe my definition of manhandled is different from everyone elses, but I'm just saying, I notice him getting hit a lot and hard too, relative to everyone else on the team and that includes 160 pound Johnny Gaudreau.

I think most of us are going by how he looks right now, this season. And this season I’ve seen him push people off pucks and straight to the ice that are not only big players, but good, top line players.

There’s an obvious improvement with Kylington this season. His sturdiness has been noticeable IMO. Not a lack thereof.

[Enoch Root]

Valimaki should be upset that he isn't playing. That is the right reaction.

The next step is: what is he going to do about it? Complaining isn't going to help. Working his ass off in practice will help though.

[Flamesfan05]

He must be sick sitting out for zadorov

Treliving is probably the only idiot that didn’t know zadorov is horrible

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Working his ass off in practice will help though.

It may not help, though.

For all you know Valimaki is the hardest worker in practice already, and still being ignored.

[Vinny01]

Probably been mentioned but Valimaki for Kratsov ???