I like Lucic and Rieder! And Rinaldo too!

[TheScorpion]

Both these guys took a little bit of time to adjust to the Flames, but I've been incredibly impressed with their play over the last month and change.

Lucic is surprisingly good with the puck. He's a smart player who, despite losing some of his agility, can still keep up with the play, make good passes, and find open ice. Where Neal often stood out through his puzzling positioning and inability to carry the puck, Lucic is strong on the puck and has proven to be adept at creating chances, especially recently. I predict that tonight's goal will the best first of plenty more.

It's also nice to have a player who has become so universally liked by the fanbase. The cheers of "Looch" from the fans at the Dome have only grown louder as the season has progressed. Lucic has stood up for his teammates, he's driven possession very much in the right direction, and he's now starting to contribute on the scoresheet. It's awesome to see.

As for Rieder, it's only become more and more obvious in recent weeks just how much speed he has. He's tenacious on the penalty kill and is clearly getting the green light to take off when he sees opportunities. Playing with Derek Ryan on the PK has clearly helped (interesting that Ryan is the common denominator with both Rieder and Lucic), but Rieder clearly has plenty of skill, to his credit. He reminds me of how Frolik used to play in his first few seasons here, but with more speed. I'm quickly becoming a fan.

These two ex-Oilers are quickly becoming some of my favourites to watch. Hoping for continued success for them and this team. (Cam, you're next).

[N-E-B]

Looch is awesome and still has something to give to an NHL team. His contract sucks but there’s no point in dwelling on that.

I haven’t been that excited for a Flames goal in a long time.

[jonkaupp]

good god

[Geeoff]

I like these guys because they are Flames...but they have a combined 3 goals and 4 assists, not sure that's worth a whole like thread LOL

[Toonage]

Given his love affair with him the past 24 hours I'd suggest this thread was created as a stealth Derek Ryan appreciation thread.

[hjerk]

TOE-BEE
REIDER!
*CLAP* *CLAP*
*clap*clap*clap*

I like what this guy brings to the table and yeah, Looch has strong hockey IQ.

[blankall]

I actually like what Looch is bringing too. He's clearly lost a step from his prime, but his hits are still bone crushing. This was something the Flames missed horribly. It seems as though every time Looch hits another player they just collapse against the boards.

If Looch can find a way to put up 25 points this year, from the bottom 6, and continue to lead our team in hits, I'll be very happy with the trade overall.

[Cheese]

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by jonkaupp

good god

Hey, hey, hey.

See my signature. It still holds true.

[Roof-Daddy]

I like both players, and they both bring useful elements to the roster in depth roles.

That's just fine for Rieder as he's carrying a $700k cap hit for one season.

Lucic and his buy out proof $5.25 million cap hit/contract however, are a massive drag on the rosters overall cap for another 3.5 seasons.

Hard to believe his points per game and goals per game could get any worse than what they were last year in Edmonton, but here we are....

Would be nice if he could even get back to being a 10+ goal, 30+ point forward.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Looch is definitely massively underrated by some on here. Their previous stance on him (that he’s one of the worst in the league, which he isn’t) doesn’t allow them to revise their opinion of him even though if you watch him he’s clearly a solid player for us that brings a lot of elements this team was lacking (puck protection, board work, net front presence, physicality.

I really like the addition of Lucic. I really like the elements he’s added. Obviously if we could turn back time it’d be great if we could never have signed Neal but Lucic has been about 10x better than Neal was for us.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

Looch is definitely massively underrated by some on here. Their previous stance on him (that he’s one of the worst in the league, which he isn’t) doesn’t allow them to revise their opinion of him even though if you watch him he’s clearly a solid player for us that brings a lot of elements this team was lacking (puck protection, board work, net front presence, physicality.

I really like the addition of Lucic. I really like the elements he’s added. Obviously if we could turn back time it’d be great if we could never have signed Neal but Lucic has been about 10x better than Neal was for us.

I watched him enough in Edmonton games to say he's better this year IMO. More involved and energetic.

[vilzeh]

What a shocker this thread came after Reider & Lucic scored in the same game.

[Fighting Banana Slug]

I understood the rationale of the trade when it happened (lower cap hit and better fit in the bottom 6), but was not a fan based on the potential bounce back of Neal compared to Lucic.

Having watched him, he does bring something to the table that the Flames lacked and it is fun to cheer for him. I think what stands out to me, is how his teammates react to him. Dube jumped into his arms like they just won the cup. Rittich, Johnny, Ward all fist pumped/patted him on the back. They love that guy. That was not the case with Neal.

[GullFoss]

I like people who score goals

[TheIronMaiden]

No one can question that Lucic is over paid, and has a contract that is too long. Just the same, no can question Lucic's give a #### levels.

[Johnny Makarov]

Originally Posted by Geeoff

I like these guys because they are Flames...but they have a combined 3 goals and 4 assists, not sure that's worth a whole like thread LOL

They deserve a thread because both of them probably hate the Oilers more than us.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by vilzeh

What a shocker this thread came after Reider & Lucic scored in the same game.

Is there a sub forum of topics from the future?

[Split98]

Originally Posted by jonkaupp

good god

I think you're onto something here

Let's all go back to arguing, dwell on poor performances, chat about racism, measure levels of abuse, and bemoan the trade some more.

That's definitely been a lot more fun than celebrating some contributions from the bottom 6 that led to a win the day after their old stinkhole got worked by the Senators.

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by jonkaupp

good god