I initially gave it a 3 but upon reflection think perhaps that was a little harsh. While the Flames weren't in the position to go big-game hunting (price depending of course - Toffoli would have been perfect but too expensive) based on their performance this season, I felt a mid to depth forward on the right side would have been a prudent addition and the largest priority. Instead, the Flames opted to leave the forward group as is which is a risky move. A depth defender, preferably for the left side, would have been priority two but that also is an ongoing bone of contention with me.
Given the prices paid for Ondrej Kase and Vincent Trochek, I am somewhat surprised the Flames didn't jump in.
Kase
While Kase in all likelihood would have cost the Flames more than he cost the Bruins, the Bruins got him for a complete bargain rendering a more expensive Flames price likely a fair deal. While there are rightfully concerns about Kase's injury history in his career thus far, his potential as a right-shooting right-wing who is competent in all three zones and who can easily slot into second- or third-line duty cannot be ignored. Like the Flames' own Andrew Mangiapane (in progression not syle), this is a player who has performed at every level to date but has yet to be afforded an opportunity up the lineup. His production has been reasonable without the luxury of powerplay minutes and has the potential to significantly increase with more minutes, particularly on the powerplay. A player to watch over the next few years. I understand the Flames rightfully didn't want to "penalize" Andrew Mangiapane for the strides he's made this season, but Kase could have started on the third line - and potentially having too many top six players is quite the luxury to have. The fact Kase is re-signed for next season after which he is an RFA is also important to note.
Trocheck
Trocheck is a bit different as he's more of a known - albeit inconsistent - commodity at the NHL level, and almost certainly would have shifted Mangiapane down the roster, which I understand. Still, as a natural right-shooting centre who can easily slide over to wing, the Flames missed out on an opportunity to add a versatile player signed to a reasonable multi-year contract. Furthermore, the Panthers are a team prone to being ripped off due to a Hockey Operations group who doesn't appear to understand the fundamentals of variance with respect to individual player's season-long performance. One look at Trocheck's shooting percentage is all that is needed to know the thought process their group consistently applies in its knee-jerk reactions. Note, I do acknowledge Trocheck is a bit of a sprayer not unlike our own Mikael Backlund, and has some questions regarding his commitment, but the price paid for a player like him on a multi-year contract wasn't much.
Fast
Finally, one player whom I have been recommending as a terrific low-cost fit for the Flames for a couple seasons now is Jesper Fast of the New York Rangers, who could have been had for a mid- to late-round pick. Fast is a right-shooting right-winger who plays all-out all the time and whose work rate is unquestioned. While not an agitator, Fast hits everything that moves (would be third on the Flames) and causes opposing players to have lapses in concentration. Despite that playing style, he is actually a very smart and disciplined player and draws more penalties than he takes. He could have seamlessly filled Frolik's responsible play, with Bennett's physicality, but without the complete lack of discipline either of them provide(d) with stick fouls. Make no mistake, he isn't going to score at much above third-line expectations, but he brings responsible two-way play as a much-needed natural right-winger that would have shifted the Flames' bottom-roster players down another rung, and could likely be easily re-signed. Perhaps a summer target.
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"I think the eye test is still good, but analytics can sure give you confirmation: what you see...is that what you really believe?"
Scotty Bowman, 0 NHL games played
"You ain't gotta like me. You're just mad 'cause I tell it how it is and you tell it how it might be."
Last edited by united; 03-06-2020 at 12:59 PM.
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