Friedman's 31 thoughts: April 30

[sureLoss]

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/...nclude-malkin/

One major Flames item:

14. Calgary will sign blueliner Alexander Yelesin from KHL Lokomotiv, and, as one GM said, “They’ve got a lot of defencemen.” If they want to add, it is going to come from there. The Flames will also weigh bringing back Mike Smith on a short-term deal, although his age (37), might make them wary about anything longer than one year. They don’t seem interested in trading a high pick to move James Neal’s contract, and, as of now, have indicated they think the best solution might be to see if he’s determined to prove them wrong after benching him in the playoffs. There was plenty of interest in Yelesin — Arizona, Montreal and Ottawa among other pursuers.

[GranteedEV]

Flames can't afford to lose more assets at this point to drop salary. So much has been spent in acquiring middling players like Elliott, Lazar, Smith, Hamonic, Stone that organizational depth is pretty weak. Need virtually every pick we have to retool, and need to sell the Stones, Froliks, Hamonics for picks asap.

[TheScorpion]

I think we might have new blood wearing the #7 and #26 next year. Just a hunch. I think Giordano, Hamonic, Valimaki, and Andersson are the only locks to stay from that blueline. Maybe Hanifin too.

Smith coming back would be... interesting. I might like to see them bring in a guy like McElhinney instead. But I suppose they want stability in the crease. Is Ramo the only goalie since Kiprusoff to play three seasons in Calgary?

[Muta]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Flames can't afford to lose more assets at this point to drop salary. So much has been spent in acquiring middling players like Elliott, Lazar, Smith, Hamonic, Stone that organizational depth is pretty weak. Need virtually every pick we have to retool, and need to sell the Stones, Froliks, Hamonics for picks asap.

Why would we 'need to sell' Hamonic? The dude is a young, tough-as-nails, top-four defenseman on a great contract and wants to play in Calgary. Why exactly are you so ready to give him up for a pick, who in all odds won't pan out to be the player Hamonic already is?

[TheScorpion]

I feel like the "Team Hamonic" and "Team Brodie" factions are going to become very clear this summer, considering that they're both pending UFAs next year and Calgary will likely have to pick one.

I'd like to be the first to declare my allegiance to Team Hamonic.

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I feel like the "Team Hamonic" and "Team Brodie" factions are going to become very clear this summer, considering that they're both pending UFAs next year and Calgary will likely have to pick one.

I'd like to be the first to declare my allegiance to Team Hamonic.

It won't last long as I'm pretty sure a trade will happen before the draft.

[TheScorpion]

Originally Posted by Moneyhands23

It won't last long as I'm pretty sure a trade will happen before the draft.

Oh absolutely, I also expect that to happen. But I think I'll begin to pick up as we continue gearing up for the offseason. I'd guess that figuring out the logjam on defense would be one of Treliving's highest priorities.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I think we might have new blood wearing the #7 and #26 next year. Just a hunch. I think Giordano, Hamonic, Valimaki, and Andersson are the only locks to stay from that blueline. Maybe Hanifin too.

Smith coming back would be... interesting. I might like to see them bring in a guy like McElhinney instead. But I suppose they want stability in the crease. Is Ramo the only goalie since Kiprusoff to play three seasons in Calgary?

Hanifin is absolutely a lock to be here.

[theslymonkey]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Oh absolutely, I also expect that to happen. But I think I'll begin to pick up as we continue gearing up for the offseason. I'd guess that figuring out the logjam on defense would be one of Treliving's highest priorities.

I'd guess his phone will be ringing from many GM's who want to help him with that problem.

[dammage79]

Yeah I dont see treliving trading Hanifin anytime soon. Too young, too much upside and just a perfect d man to eventually move on from Gio when the time comes (it's as agent Smith says, inevitable).

Its almost too clear who the odd men out on the back end are. Brodie and stone.

[TheScorpion]

I dunno. I just have a weird feeling about Hanifin. I think his leaguewide value might exceed his actual value to the Flames. But either way, I'm pretty sure he's staying, although I think Valimaki might jump him in a couple years.

[The Professor]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Yeah I dont see treliving trading Hanifin anytime soon. Too young, too much upside and just a perfect d man to eventually move on from Gio when the time comes (it's as agent Smith says, inevitable).

Its almost too clear who the odd men out on the back end are. Brodie and stone.

You mean, as Thanos says. 🤠

[Fire]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I feel like the "Team Hamonic" and "Team Brodie" factions are going to become very clear this summer, considering that they're both pending UFAs next year and Calgary will likely have to pick one.

I'd like to be the first to declare my allegiance to Team Hamonic.

I agree. No way Treliving trades Hamonic instead of Brodie. I would be surprised if Brodie is a Flame next season.

[djsFlames]

Brodie 100x before Hamonic.

[Eric Vail]

I think the return offered for the defensemen has a lot to say about who stays and who goes.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Muta

Why would we 'need to sell' Hamonic? The dude is a young, tough-as-nails, top-four defenseman on a great contract and wants to play in Calgary. Why exactly are you so ready to give him up for a pick, who in all odds won't pan out to be the player Hamonic already is?

This type of thinking stems from the Corey Pronman school of player evaluation, which promotes very clear ideas about what makes an ideal NHL player. Some posters set such an inordinately high value on skating and speed that they become practically oblivious to all the other attributes that numerous NHL players will use to attain success. So, even though a player like Hamonic is a perfectly fine skater, because he doesn't produce a tonne of offence his best attributes are ignored by observers who seem to see only speed and skill.

[Reggie Dunlop]

No to bringing Smith back.

What about a Rittich/Mrazek combo?

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

No to bringing Smith back.

What about a Rittich/Mrazek combo?

I dont see how he leaves Carolina now that he has taken the reigns and won a series.

[TheScorpion]

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

No to bringing Smith back.

What about a Rittich/Mrazek combo?

I don't expect Carolina to be very eager to let Mrazek go. I can't see why he'd leave, and they'll be able to afford him.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by Muta

Why would we 'need to sell' Hamonic? The dude is a young, tough-as-nails, top-four defenseman on a great contract and wants to play in Calgary. Why exactly are you so ready to give him up for a pick, who in all odds won't pan out to be the player Hamonic already is?

Hamonic’s on an expiring contract so it’s not the great contract it once was.

I like Hamonic well enough but I think other teams have found guys who bring nearly what he does for less money and lower acquisition cost. I’m not sure he is one of the Flames best 4 defenders next year.

If a team covets that type of player, I’d consider moving him. Picks or players, doesn’t really matter IMO. It’s all currency to acquire what you really need.