[News] Flames extend qualifying offers to 9 players

[btimbit]

Originally Posted by Robbob

I think there were rumours or mock drafts that the Aves taking him late in teh first.

Button or McKenzie, can't remember which, had him going 25-30th as well I think

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by btimbit

Hey at least they nailed it with Mason MacDonald instead of taking the higher ranked Demko

By all accounts the goalies were very close. I think the Flames hotly debated that one but got the coin flip wrong.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...raft/10772577/

Redline Report for example had MacDonald 1st and Demko the 4th ranked goalie.

https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-css-201...ranks/c-712858

CSS had Demko #1 but MacDonald #2.

Anyways at least Gillies and Parsons are still looking good. Sucks we blew our 2nd rounds that draft but it seems like the scouting has improved with Kylington, Andersson, Parsons and Dube all looking very good.

[Erick Estrada]

I think he acquitted himself pretty well in the memorial cup as well but he struggled against better players in the AHL.

[SuperMatt18]

I really hope they re-sign Shore.

Really like the player and he filled a need here. Hope they can work something out.

[Robbob]

I wonder if they are close to signing Shore or believe it will be done before the 1st.

Without qualifying him is he a UFA now or will be on the 1st. Is he able to interview with other teams by not qualifying?

[sureLoss]

UFA on the 1st.

Teams can talk to him as part of the interview period starting today.

IIRC Teams can talk to all RFAs starting tomorrow anyways.

[Ozy_Flame]

I see Robin Lehner was not qualified by Buffalo.

[Toonage]

Lehner will be someone's plan B I think. Already looks like Hutton is going to get a good raise pricing some teams out for their backup or 1B option. I think I read 8 teams were in on him. I'd be fine if the Flames were looking at him (Hutton or Lehner for that matter), but I also wouldn't be shocked if they stand pat.

[PepsiFree]

I’ve always liked Lehner. Good goalie on a bad team, prone to get into his own head, but a huge compete level.

I think about 0% the Flames go after him, but i’d be happy with it if it happened.

[btimbit]

Yeah as much as it won't happen, I'd like to see Lehner as a backup and possible stopgap after.

Smith and Lehner. Two lunatics, lol

[Toonage]

The thing with Lehner (for me at least) is that we've never really seen what he can be capable of. Has he ever been on a good team with decent defense in front of him? He could be spectacular on a team that has the same give a #### meter as he does.

[btimbit]

Originally Posted by Toonage

The thing with Lehner (for me at least) is that we've never really seen what he can be capable of. Has he ever been on a good team with decent defense in front of him? He could be spectacular on a team that has the same give a #### meter as he does.

Curious as well. On one hand, his numbers are similar to Rittich (In twice the games, mind you) but on the other hand, it's the Sabres

[albertGQ]

Originally Posted by AC

Hunter Smith especially, being that he was an overager as well.

I don't think he was an overager. Just went undrafted in his first year of eligibility.

[yourbestfriend]

Not sure how big of an issue it is in terms of his overall ability, but Lehner is horrible at the shootout. I have no idea how it's possible but he didn't make a single shootout save in the 2016/2017 season

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by albertGQ

I don't think he was an overager. Just went undrafted in his first year of eligibility.

He was an overager for the draft he was selected in, but not in the sense that he was a 20/21 year old playing in the CHL.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

I've watched enough of Lehner over the years to know that he's just not a good enough goalie. I'd sooner take back Ramo on his reconstructed knee over Lehner. At least Ramo likes his teammates.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by AC

Hunter Smith especially, being that he was an overager as well.

For me it was that he had skating issues. I just don’t understand why they draft guys with skating issues (outside top guys in the first round whose other talents shine - making them first rounders).

lt was apparent so much earlier that speed was the name of the game yet CGY continued to defy that. It’s only now you hear hockey ops talking about speed and skating - as if Vegas discovered something novel.

Speed and skill. Load up on that.

[GullFoss]

I hope montreal signs poirier. Seems like a good guy. From Montreal too I think. Might help to have family around!

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lebowski

For me it was that he had skating issues. I just don’t understand why they draft guys with skating issues (outside top guys in the first round whose other talents shine - making them first rounders).

lt was apparent so much earlier that speed was the name of the game yet CGY continued to defy that. It’s only now you hear hockey ops talking about speed and skating - as if Vegas discovered something novel.

Speed and skill. Load up on that.

You can refine and improve skating if it's not NHL level on draft day. However, there are some players with fundamental skating flaws that are too difficult to overcome. Smith was clearly one of those players.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

You can refine and improve skating if it's not NHL level on draft day. However, there are some players with fundamental skating flaws that are too difficult to overcome. Smith was clearly one of those players.

Yes I agree and should’ve been more clear. If there are issues like leg strength that are the limiting factor you can correct that.

It’s those flaws you mention to be wary of. However iirc Smith did make a huge improvement in his skating in his +1 year so you could see the calculated gamble CGY was making to be fair.

However the second round is not the round to do that and with a Smith in particular how much more he needed to improve should’ve raised the flag.