Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
It's just one year; I don't think the cap would be much of an issue since he will be off the books by the end of the season.
[EDIT] And it's not like Ryan is junk. He was the Flames #7-scoring forward last season. He could easily play second-line minutes on several NHL teams.
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Im not sure you would find a lot of teams wanting to add 3M to their bottom 6 group at this point.
More than that though, the Flames need him right now IMO. They have already lost 2 of their top 4 PK forwards (TOI PG) from last season. The kids wont be thrust into such roles so that means more SH ice time for a guy like Backlund and elevating another player to full time PK duties which takes away 5 on 5 time from them. Maybe Dube can fill that role but until you know he can, it wouldnt be prudent to use him there at all. The only real other option would be Bennett but im not convinced he is quick enough nor smart enough to do it full time. Also I would be looking to cut back Lindholms PK time if possible and get him more offensive zone time.
I know that Nordstrom will be top dog on the PK moving forward as he is elite at it. So that is one of the empty spots filled. Very under rated signing by BT IMO.
Leivo doesnt kill penalties nor does Simon.
So moving Ryan creates a whole bunch of other issues that im not convinced the coaching staff have answers for at this point. Too many guys they just havent seen in situations to throw them out there and be confident.