Flames Player Lists: Core Pieces, Support Pieces & Expendable

[Finger Cookin]

I've thought about my list a bit:

Core: Gaudreau, Monahan, Bennett, Giordano, Brodie

Support: Colborne, Backlund, Russell, Hudler, Bouma, Hiller, Poirier

Then there's everyone else. I'm not suggesting shipping everyone out who isn't listed, or that a prospect is doomed to mediocrity if they're not listed. For existing players, it just means I'd more readily consider moving them in the right deal. For prospects, it just means I'm really uncertain in what we have with them.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by Yrebmi

I don't. I view them more as place holders than saviors. Finding a core player among them was never a likely scenario.

Treliving's ability as GM is still largely an unknown IMO.

Perfectly said.
The Wings are a model franchise. Some ridiculously long streak of consecutive playoff appearances. A bit earlier this season, they iced a lineup that included 16 players they had drafted/signed as undrafted prospects. Rarely are there spectacular trades or signings, just top notch scouting and outstanding player development.
That's the type of organization I hope Treliving is striving to be GM of.

[heep223]

Originally Posted by Tinordi

Of the list of concerns or issues on this team, Matt Stajan's presence is less problematic than the ice making equipment.

Why don't we make that our next cause celebre? Release the ice making crew!!

Seriously. The ice in the dome looks horrible. Way bigger concern than Matt Stajan lol

[Enoch Root]

If there's a posse forming to lynch the ice crew, I'm in!

As for Stajan, dependable guy that knows what his role is and goes out and does it. Once we have so many awesome forwards that there simply isn't any room for him anymore, so be it. Until then, please stop the Stajan-hating, it is unjustified and embarrassing.

Edit: (to add...) not only has the 4th line improved since Stajan's return, which is completely due to his stabilizing presence and defensive awareness, but he has slotted into that role without a single complaint. How many veterans quietly and professionally accept lesser roles without any grumbling or whining?

Stajan is a great team guy.

[GioforPM]

Agree with all the recent Stajan posts. I was about to say - the 4th line (including Bollig) is 100% better since Stajan came back. They used to be stuck in the D zone way more, now at least if Stajan gets the puck it's a decent exit. And due to his faceoff ability, they start with it more there too.

I get people think he's overpaid, but to me, unless youa re in cap trouble, salary his very little relevance. How much time do I spend thinking about Stajan or Wideman or Engelland's paycheque? None. And partly they get paid because they are experienced veterans. The union makes it thus. Like it or not, rookies generally get less than RFAs who get less than UFAs notwithstanding ability.

[SeanCharles]

For me there is 4-5 groups..

Don't trade: Monahan, Gaudreau, Bennett, Brodie, Gio

Expendable: Smid, Engelland, Bollig, Byron, Diaz, Potter, Jones, Glencross, McGrattan, Stajan, Raymond, Ramo

Expendable only with appropriate replacements: Wideman, Hudler, Russell, Hiller

Young and would like to keep but not untouchable: Bouma, Jooris, Backlund, Colborne, Poirier, Baertschi, Granlund, Wotherspoon, Gillies, Ortio, Ferland, Sieloff

Only move on improvements: Everyone else

[CaptainYooh]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

...
As for Stajan, dependable guy that knows what his role is and goes out and does it. Once we have so many awesome forwards that there simply isn't any room for him anymore, so be it. Until then, please stop the Stajan-hating, it is unjustified and embarrassing.

Edit: (to add...) not only has the 4th line improved since Stajan's return, which is completely due to his stabilizing presence and defensive awareness, but he has slotted into that role without a single complaint. How many veterans quietly and professionally accept lesser roles without any grumbling or whining?

Stajan is a great team guy.

HATE is a big word. I don't see posters hating Matt Stajan. This thread is about the core players vs. expendable players. I agree with your assessment of Stajan greatly improving the 4th line now. However, at $3.5M current cap hit, the next year looks questionable for him as a Flame, wouldn't you agree? If you are a GM looking at options/offers at the deadline, would you not move Matt Stajan for the reasonable return (say, for a pick, any pick)? At the same time, you would not move a player like Gaudreau or Monahan for a similarly reasonable return, because they are viewed as a future of the franchise (at least for now). That's the point of the OP's classification, I thought.

[Finger Cookin]

Just pointing out, again, that Stajan's cap hit is $3.125M during his current contract.

[CaptainYooh]

You're right, I was looking at 2014.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

HATE is a big word. I don't see posters hating Matt Stajan. This thread is about the core players vs. expendable players. I agree with your assessment of Stajan greatly improving the 4th line now. However, at $3.5M current cap hit, the next year looks questionable for him as a Flame, wouldn't you agree? If you are a GM looking at options/offers at the deadline, would you not move Matt Stajan for the reasonable return (say, for a pick, any pick)? At the same time, you would not move a player like Gaudreau or Monahan for a similarly reasonable return, because they are viewed as a future of the franchise (at least for now). That's the point of the OP's classification, I thought.

Maybe, we'll see.

I would not be looking to just move him out and give the job to kids. I would rather they have to take it from him.

Also, there is also the possibility that Backlund is moved, if they decide he isn't part of the future. Or maybe Granlund is used as part of a package for a defenseman or something.

Point is, you never know how it will shake out, so at this point at least, I wouldn't be racing to dump him at the first opportunity. Great return, then sure, no question.

[CaptainYooh]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

... Great return, then sure, no question.

Meh, people like to say "great return". I don't believe in great returns. Nobody is trading for great returns these days. GMs are trading players the team doesn't need at the moment for the players they do need now or might need in the future (or to dump salary, or get rid of a contract etc.), provided that the exchange values are relatively equal. Great returns just don't exist anymore in NHL. Reasonable return for a player who is at the twilight of his career (Stajan) is a pick. You give this player a chance to play for a potential SC contender and that's reasonable and mutually beneficial. Lee Stempniak's trade to Pittsburgh for a 3rd was a good example of a reasonable trade for everyone involved. But it was not a great return by any means; just reasonable. Stajan trade, if it occurs at the deadline, would be kinda similar, I think, 3rd pick, or 2nd at best. And hopefully, he gets all the way to the finals.

[Bingo]

set up an additional list question on the Adirondack sub forum. The two together are interesting.

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=143010