Saddledome Event Recap - Brian Burke State of the Union

[Heavy Jack]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

There are actually Flames fans on this site that think we should leave Giordano exposed in the expansion draft.

I laugh out loud every time I think about it.

I will openly walk back my original viewpoint on that.. think I was one of the first to suggest it and based on his play to start the season and how he looked slightly off ever since the arm injury my thought process was even if he does great for 2-3 years at some point that contract will become an anchor. That said Gio is unquestionably a major part of the fabric of this team and it was, admittedly, laughable of me to suggest exposing him to the expansion. LV starts 10 cars in an IKEA parking lot no doubt if Gio wasn't protected.

[dieHARDflameZ]

Originally Posted by jaikorven

I have zero knowledge to pass on or anything, but maybe they are trying to control a potential loose cannon when they are out...again I don't know, just giving a possible explanation if the OP has been given correct information with what the reporter stated?

I know what I heard and the exact words were, "he is the most hated guy in the entire organization and they have been trying to get rid of him for three years."

Again, mods can feel free to PM me and ask for source but I know one thing and that's this guy has a serious dislike for Wideman, it was brutally obvious.

Also, I'm not trying to stir up drama or anything just letting you all know what was said. Take it for what it's worth.

[dustygoon]

Originally Posted by dieHARDflameZ

Again, given the source I would take it with a grain of salt but I did want to share with you all what was said.

Got it. Eric Francis said it

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by dieHARDflameZ

I know what I heard and the exact words were, "he is the most hated guy in the entire organization and they have been trying to get rid of him for three years."

Again, mods can feel free to PM me and ask for source but I know one thing and that's this guy has a serious dislike for Wideman, it was brutally obvious.

Also, I'm not trying to stir up drama or anything just letting you all know what was said. Take it for what it's worth.

I for one am not questioning what you heard. I'm so curious regarding the source, because it's one thing if it's Eric Francis and another if its a guy with better access. I could totally see Francis just being a blowhard and saying stuff like that out of thin air.

[GoJetsGo]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Does anyone really think Vegas would take Brouwer anyway?

It's probably unlikely but we really have no way of knowing how the chips fall in terms of what players are available for them to build four lines.

It's interesting there were comments in the OP about possibly giving up assets to protect both he and Lazar and my comment was more geared towards hoping to see more from Brouwer to close the season and into the playoffs before considering that.

[oldschoolcalgary]

mea culpa - i saw Brouwer as a good signing; i'd been ecstatic if the contract was 1 year and 500K per year less, but still thought it was a good contract especially considering the hole at RW

At this point however, i'd be shocked if he isn't exposed....Ferland has played his way onto the protect list, and based on everything i've heard on Lazar, they really like the kid and see him here long term.

With Brouwer, you are kinda hoping that Vegas doesn't want to pick up an older, slightly under performing contract...McPhee may see him as a great building block though... so its a roll of the dice for sure.

if Brouwer lights it up down the stretch and into the post season <knock on wood> it will be interesting to see if the thinking changes.

[Heavy Jack]

From the sounds of it Burke/Management think highly of Brouwer and honestly I could see how he would be a great presence in the room; especially for the young core group of guys at forward - outside of Backs/Frolik we are extremely young in the first 3 lines of forwards so having Brouwer there has probably helped as an insulater during the tough stretches this year. He, Steeger and Stajan are the only 30+ forwards in our current group but I'm kinda with you - just feel like there is better value out there for what we are paying Brouwer.. wait and see I guess.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Beninho

His days are done after damaging this teams reputation across the league and with the refs.

Yes.

His days are done after being paid a ridiculous amount of money over the last 5 years.

Yes.

If he wants to be an ass and carry himself like an entitled pos that's his decision. I don't feel pitty for a guy who has banked in an insane amount of money and is now all pissy that he isn't getting playing time.

That is your prerogative, but I don't understand why you feel the need to direct so much indignation to others who do not share your opinion. There are plenty of good reasons to be sceptical about the second-hand information in the OP.

Why anyone would pitty him is beyond me.

I am not surprised. You have made abundantly clear that empathy is not a priority for you.

It's a cut throat business and Wideman should know this, he's benefited greatly from it.

I expect that Wideman understands how things work in the NHL better than anyone on this board. The nature of the business does not change the fact that his sudden change of fortune is likely very difficult emotionally, and socially. It has to be embarrassing to be faced with the sudden reality that he is no longer capable of doing the job he is paid to do.

I would like to know what Wideman has done for the ref after he may of ended his career.

So would I.

He is "suffering" because of himself and how he has underperformed, I don't feel bad for him for one second.

He has underperformed because he is aging, and his body is not capable of the same level of physical performance to which he is accustomed. To exacerbate matters, he depends on his physical attributes to earn a living. I will be 44-years-old next month, and this is something I understand very well. It sucks, and I am frequently frustrated by it. Thank god it doesn't affect my ability to provide for my family.

The world is filled with many people who really do struggle every day, maybe Wideman is struggling with something else I don't know, but I will not be empathetic towards someone who has had the career he's had and made the money he's made. Give me a break

You seem to think that money solves every problem. How small and petty of you.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Does anyone really think Vegas would take Brouwer anyway?

I think there is a very good chance LV would select Brouwer. It all depends on how they choose to fill their roster during the expansion draft, and there are cap implications that make it quite plausible.

[Fan in Exile]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I think there is a very good chance LV would select Brouwer. It all depends on how they choose to fill their roster during the expansion draft, and there are cap implications that make it quite plausible.

Possibly. I suppose it's possible Matt Stajan would be claimed for similar reasons. But I think the point stands that Brouwer doesn't provide particularly high value for his contract. I don't think we should hesitate about exposing him. He's absolutely expendable.

[Classic_Sniper]

Regardless of whether the higher ups like Brouwer or not or plan to expose him or not doesn't really matter in my opinion because I don't think Vegas is going to be interested in Brouwer's contract. Vegas can easily take a Shinkaruk or a Kulak who will be much cheaper and have more years of control then in the summer go out and sign a comparable UFA who fits their needs. Brouwer is stuck with us and we're stuck with him.

[Clarkey]

On Leadership. One can be a strong leader while leading his guy's in the wrong direction...

[GoJetsGo]

Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper

Vegas can easily take a Shinkaruk or a Kulak who will be much cheaper and have more years of control then in the summer go out and sign a comparable UFA who fits their needs.

These are AHL players and they're trying to build an NHL team. They need third line players, as they currently have none.

They also need to reach the cap floor.

Also, they'd be paying the same kind of inflated salary to sign a free agent, possibly more as they'll be a destination viewed as years away from completing.

Not saying they will take him, but the chance is greater than you suggest.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper

Regardless of whether the higher ups like Brouwer or not or plan to expose him or not doesn't really matter in my opinion because I don't think Vegas is going to be interested in Brouwer's contract. Vegas can easily take a Shinkaruk or a Kulak who will be much cheaper and have more years of control then in the summer go out and sign a comparable UFA who fits their needs. Brouwer is stuck with us and we're stuck with him.

They still have to hit the floor.

[saillias]

Someone also asked directly if that meant Brouwer would be exposed. Burke said the organization loves Brouwer and what he brings and that he is a playoff beast and built for the post season and compared him to a horse in that when they smell water they start to move faster towards it. It sure sounds like the team is considering making a side deal to protect all of their assets.

Notice how he talks him up and the absence of "no." That's a yes

[Vinny01]

George McPhee traded a 1st round pick for Brouwer at the 2011 draft. He also signed him to a contract extension in Washington. Brian Maclennen was the one who traded him to the Blues for Oshie (hell of a trade for the Caps).

Clearly the Vegas GM is familiar with Brouwer and with 3 years left in the deal. I could see the VGK taking hin

[Mister Yamoto]

This time of the year is what the Flames brought Brouwer in for. Home stretch plus playoffs. Maybe lets see how he plays when it matters most before we give him away for free.

I wasn't a big fan of the signing when it happened, but right now is when a player like Brouwer should have the most value.

Not a lot of players with 98 playoff games and a Stanley cup ring on their resume.

[H2SO4(aq)]

Originally Posted by Parallex

See, here's the thing...

Two former flames both noted for their physicality, Phaneaf & Regher. I would argue that Regher's physicality was significantly more valuable then Phaneaf's because Regher's was more substantive. Phaneaf would engage a guy one on one, over-commit to the hit, put himself out of position to do so leading to defensive breakdowns. Regher picked his spots much better. They both used their bodies but Phaneaf treated the hit as an end onto itself (He hit to make a hit) while Regher used it as a means onto an end (he hit to substantively remove the puck from the opposing teams possession).

Regardless....

Oh man, so many good memories of Phaneaf and Regher. Damn

[the2bears]

Originally Posted by Parallex

...

Two former flames both noted for their physicality, Phaneaf & Regher. I would argue that Regher's physicality was significantly more valuable then Phaneaf's because Regher's was more substantive. Phaneaf would engage a guy one on one, over-commit to the hit, put himself out of position to do so leading to defensive breakdowns. Regher picked his spots much better. They both used their bodies but Phaneaf treated the hit as an end onto itself (He hit to make a hit) while Regher used it as a means onto an end (he hit to substantively remove the puck from the opposing teams possession)
...

Originally Posted by H2SO4(aq)

Oh man, so many good memories of Phaneaf and Regher. Damn

Parallex, see what you've done?

[calgaryblood]

Where are these players that didn't like Iginla? And why are we only hearing garbage like this 5 years later?

I haven't heard a single former Flame talk bad about Iginla and his leadership.

The only local reporter who is desperate enough to make something up like this works for a
Tabloid newspaper and has been known to make stuff up for clicks

Iginla was a great leader. Darryl Sutter, one of the greatest NHL coaches in history just picked up a 40 year old Iginla in the middle of a playoff race. Who should we believe? Francis or Darryl Sutter? I know who I'm believing.