[Signing] Flames sign Joakim Nordstrom (1 year, $700k AAV)

[Erick Estrada]

Have to wait and see if Treliving is still the GM before speculating on personnel changes.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Savvy27

I'll be hugely dismayed if Nordstrom is re-signed. As much as coaches might love a guy that works hard every shift, blocks shots, and does what is asked of him, the team is one of the worst offensive groups in the league and do not have superstars that can carry their defensive minded teammates.

Sutter had an interesting comment in his media availability yesterday where he essentially said that the team has learned how to play the way he wants them to, but the question of whether these players can generate enough offence in his style will be answered at a later date. I took this to mean that he wants personnel changes in the off-season.

I don’t know what you are expecting from a 4th liner making $700K. The other choice I suppose is a rookie, but even they make more, and you risk giving up a ton when they’re on the ice. I dislike putting rookies on the bottom line - no ice time, no offensive opportunity and poorer linemates. I like them on the third line at least.

[Savvy27]

I expect more than 4 points in 39 games. He is 609th in the league among players who have played at least 10 games and his points per game is 656th. I feel pretty comfortable saying that he's not a player I'm interested in having on the team. Nordstrom is a poor overall player in my opinion, but even if he was a defensive specialist, the Flames don't have the right kind of roster to have players with no offensive upside at all.

[Calgary4LIfe]

I really like Nordstrom - he never mails it in. He works hard every single shift and competes hard, and he finishes his checks regularly (often with a fair bit of gusto too). Excels on the PK. IMO, he really helps on the forecheck as well - definitely a guy in the Frolik-Reider vein. Just absolutely no offensive ability.


I want him back next season because he is so good at everything else, but his (almost) complete lack of production makes me want an upgrade.


I mean, generally when you have a team at the bottom of the divisional standings, you want to see an upgrade in as many areas as possible, period. Nordstrom is just a weird case - he does a LOT to move the needle for this team, but weirdly, also doesn't.


The same goes for Ritchie. I don't see him take a 'shift off' much at all. Always finishes his checks (and he is punishing), and is fantastic on the forecheck. Great skater and it is someone that the other team really needs to be aware of when he is on the ice, plus he is tough which adds something to this team. Just no offensive ability (well, very little anyway). I really dislike him playing in the top 6 because he will throw the puck away too often either with dumps that he can make a better play on, or with simply poor passes or poor shots. I like virtually everything else about his game. Again, I thin he moves the needle on this team, but like Nordstrom, he also doesn't.


Absolutely Simon doesn't move the needle. I think Simon is really strong along the boards and on the cycle, and he is a decent skater, but there is nothing else to really love his game and he doesn't move the needle at all for this team in any direction.


Pospisil is my bet for replacing someone on the 4th line next season. Decent skater, gritty, and can put the puck in the net a bit better. Definitely growing pains in doing so - not sure if he is ready for it, but defence can be taught but offensive ability is a much more difficult thing to teach.


I doubt Tuulola will be an NHL'er, but he is definitely sized for it (really thick player).



I don't think Hathaway priced himself out of Calgary - 1.5 million for a GOOD 4th liner is ok. However, people should also remember how 'forgettable' and inconsistent he was in his first 3 seasons here in Calgary. His 4th looked good, and good on him for learning to be consistent in his game and being a good NHL'er. I don't blame Treliving for thinking that he was just pushing himself on his contract year, as he was inconsistent with his effort the prior 3 seasons.


Gawdin and Ruzicka should both be rotating here next year probably. At some point the organization has to try them out here or just scratch them off the list. I would prefer to try Phillips on the third line (or higher) and see how he gels - let's not give him the St. Louis treatment and decide he is not a 4th line player, and thus not an NHL'er.

[Geeoff]

I'd move on from all of Nordstrom, Simon, Ritchie and Leivo.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Savvy27

I expect more than 4 points in 39 games. He is 609th in the league among players who have played at least 10 games and his points per game is 656th. I feel pretty comfortable saying that he's not a player I'm interested in having on the team. Nordstrom is a poor overall player in my opinion, but even if he was a defensive specialist, the Flames don't have the right kind of roster to have players with no offensive upside at all.

He’s replaceable, but at that price point, you end up mostly with guys that don’t play every game. You end up with Rinaldos or Robinsons who you can’t dress all the time.

IMO Nordstrom would be better than Ritchie playing with Monahan. Obviously someone better would be optimal.

[flambers]

At league minimum in terms of salary, he is way down the list of decision that are required.

Flames have to fix the top 2 lines, this is the starting point.

4th liners are the last item on the list

[Bingo]

Nordstrom will never have hands.

He'll never move the puck deftly, plays will die on his stick near the net, he doesn't have a shot.

But he does play every shift like it's the last minute in a game seven, which isn't a bad thing to have on a roster.

Some interesting stats ...

xGF%
Before Sutter - 45%
Sutter - 54%

In five game segments
33%
72%
41%
30%
66%
52%
54%
54%

He's become a pretty solid defender and five on five player in his own zone, especially after Sutter took over.

I'd honestly argue he's the best add out of any of Nordstrom, Leivo and Simon (yeah that's not much of a hurlde!)