[Trade] Frost + Farabee from PHI to CGY for Pelletier + Kuzmenko + 25 2nd + 28 7th

[YyjFlames]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

But that's how you end up with no Cs, because they are valued higher and go faster. So you either reach a bit for a C, or you end up with a constant stream of wingers.

You have to prioritize Cs, or you're always going to be lagging, like the Flames have always been.

What if they really just didn’t like any centres in their pick wheelhouse, even with a little reach? Their scouting is a strength, so I have to expect they would reach a little bit if they felt it wasn’t a big drop off.

I’m looking at the last few drafts and I’m not seeing many great centres that went around Calgary’s pick, outside of the 2017 draft… except for maybe Stankhoven. And in the 2021 draft, they had Zary and Ruzicka as fairly well regarded centre prospects in the system.

And even in the 2017 draft, they had Dube and Janowski in their prospect line who were fairly highly regarded as centres, and they obviously felt Valimaki was BPA.

I feel this is more a lack of high picks or draft position luck that they don’t have that centre top prospect. Hopefully, they get him this year.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by YyjFlames

What if they really just didn’t like any centres in their pick wheelhouse, even with a little reach? Their scouting is a strength, so I have to expect they would reach a little bit if they felt it wasn’t a big drop off.

I’m looking at the last few drafts and I’m not seeing many great centres that went around Calgary’s pick, outside of the 2017 draft… except for maybe Stankhoven. And in the 2021 draft, they had Zary and Ruzicka as fairly well regarded centre prospects in the system.

And even in the 2017 draft, they had Dube and Janowski in their prospect line who were fairly highly regarded as centres, and they obviously felt Valimaki was BPA.

I feel this is more a lack of high picks or draft position luck that they don’t have that centre top prospect. Hopefully, they get him this year.

I mean, that's going to happen once in a while. But if you prioritize Cs, you're going to draft enough of them.

[Bingo]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Just because he went in the 5th does not make him a long shot for the NHL. Many pro scouts think his skill set translates well. I also said I believe the Flames will add another RS C before the start of next year.

He has a ways to go with his size.

Hoping for him though!

But when a guy like Wheeler has him 15th on our prospect list it's clear he has a road ahead of him.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Just because he went in the 5th does not make him a long shot for the NHL. Many pro scouts think his skill set translates well. I also said I believe the Flames will add another RS C before the start of next year.

Statistically, everyone drafted outside the 1st round is a longshot. I wasn't disrespecting him - very exciting prospect - but the odds that he becomes a regular NHLer, are low (as with most picks). And as I said, even if he makes it, he isn't going to be in the NHL for some time yet - several years. Kadri and Backlund will both be gone already.

[Calgary4LIfe]

I think looking at Misa, or someone they draft in this year or next, as being too late. By the time one of them arrives, Backlund and/or Kadri may be gone, and you have one legitimate center on the team (other than further trades). I would rather the Flames balance Zary's development while doing their best to win now, however that may look like.


We all have our theories on what happened here with Bennett, and we can assign blame, but a lack of patience once this team turned the dial to 'compete' most likely had some effect on the situation. I would prefer that Zary - who has looked good down the middle - continues to be developed there.



As well, there is no way that Backlund is a '4th liner'. Heck, I think you ignore labeling him on any specific line - he is 'the match-up' line, or the 'checking line'. He will NEVER play 4th line minutes unless someone really steps up and defends like he does. He will end up playing the most - or the 2nd most - minutes among forwards simply because you want him out against top lines, plus he is great on the PK. Backlund is an elite-level player because he has elite-level skills - few players drive a line as well as he does and can neutralize opposing top players as well as he does. He may not wow you, but those are elite-level attributes, and pushing him down to the 4th line is NOT a smart use of your assets.



There are lots of options, and Zary deserves the opportunity as he has been doing well with it. In two seasons, for all we know, both Backlund and Kadri may be gone, and we will be with Frost and trying out a bunch of wingers as centers again. I would rather the Flames be a bit more proactive. Whether he takes a few reps at center with another offensive player now and then on the 4th line, or finds some time as a center on another line every game - just something to keep him learning the position. It doesn't have to be permanent, but it should be a focus of Zary's development.

[camm13]

Theres Kerins, Honzek (C/LW), and Morton who are C's who will probably see more NHL time in the next couple years.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Calgary

Awww it hurt him. Bawling? Spoiled brat.

You seem nice.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by Heavy Jack

Lots of scoring and jam all throughout.....

Only 3 teams in the NHL have scored less than the Flames.

They simply lack any elite scorers.

Their #1 scorer, Huberdeau, is on pace for 58 points. Kadri is the only other player on pace for even 50 points.

They need more elite, less "just OK".

[Locke]

[Vinny01]

Listening to the 32 thoughts pod this morning. Sounds like some Philly players reached out to some in Calgary to say how great of guys the Flames were getting and also players were pretty impressed that Conroy came to pick those guys up on the PJ. Flames look first class for that move

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Listening to the 32 thoughts mood this morning. Sounds like some Philly players reached out to some in Calgary to say how great of guys the Flames were getting and also players were pretty impressed that Conroy came to pick those guys up on the PJ. Flames look first class for that move

First class , other than perhaps the seats LOL?

[Robbob]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Listening to the 32 thoughts mood this morning. Sounds like some Philly players reached out to some in Calgary to say how great of guys the Flames were getting and also players were pretty impressed that Conroy came to pick those guys up on the PJ. Flames look first class for that move

I think little things like this go a long way and show the character of the franchise. Brings a very human aspect to what can be a ruthless business if you look at other franchises. Having a GM as a former player I think helps a great deal with these sort of things.

[3thirty]

Originally Posted by The Cobra

First class , other than perhaps the seats LOL?

Pretty sure that photo floating around here isn't from the trip back as it had Scott Laughton in it too. Conroy confirmed he took a charter out to get them and back, sorry climate warriors.

[Calgary4LIfe]

It is little things like this that make Calgary a 'destination'. They will never compete with Florida, Vegas, New York, etc., but going above and beyond in taking care of players and being a well-run and respected organization will help attract and retain players.

[AC]

Originally Posted by 3thirty

Pretty sure that photo floating around here isn't from the trip back as it had Scott Laughton in it too. Conroy confirmed he took a charter out to get them and back, sorry climate warriors.

Exactly. The photo is one Laughton posted of them from some random flight together.

[SutterBrother]

Craig Conroy knows what it's like to be a player, what it's like to be traded, what it's like to be a captain.

Craig Conroy knows how to treat people.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by SutterBrother

Craig Conroy knows what it's like to be a player, what it's like to be traded, what it's like to be a captain.

Craig Conroy knows how to treat people.

Awww.....

One of my fondest hockey memories was post lockout...when the Kings came to town and they traded to get Conroy back and he switches locker rooms and comes out on the ice with that gigantic smile on his face...

And the fans went APE####! CONNY'S BACK!!!!!

That man is a Gem!

[CF84]

Originally Posted by Calgary

Awww it hurt him. Bawling? Spoiled brat.

I see someone who truly loved playing in Calgary with his teammates showing some emotion because he cares (also why most of us loved him on the Flames).


Did a man showing his emotions make you feel uncomfortable and bother you enough you needed to write about it?


I would love it if Pelletier one day finds himself playing for the Flames again and take his not wanting to leave as a compliment to the health of the Flames dressing room.

[SutterBrother]

Originally Posted by Locke

Awww.....

One of my fondest hockey memories was post lockout...when the Kings came to town and they traded to get Conroy back and he switches locker rooms and comes out on the ice with that gigantic smile on his face...

And the fans went APE####! CONNY'S BACK!!!!!

That man is a Gem!

And then scored IIRC?

[TheScorpion]

Twice!