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The Calgary Flames will be in Nashville to take on the Predators later tonight. Though the team teams are currently side by side in the standings, the Predators hold a 6-2-4 home record compared to an abysmal 3-7-2 road record for the Flames.
The positive note for the Flames is that Nashville is currently on a four game losing streak and are an unconfident group. They have struggled to find consistency in their own game, and have broken down defensively in recent games. The Flames will need to start off strong in order to take advantage of an arguably feeble group in Nashville and could improve their road record with a win.
While looking for an extra two points seems futile to some Flames fans at this point, the team needs to continue working on their systems and developing their players for upcoming years. The Western Conference is barely divided between 15th and 5th place (8pts) which presents opportunity for a few teams sitting below 8th to fight for a playoff spot.
To digress from tonight’s pregame discussion, I’d like to chime in on some of the possible trade talks that have been circulation with respect to speculation that David Nonis and the Leafs have been in discussion with the Calgary Flames regarding netminder Miikka Kiprusoff.
It is no secret that the Leafs have been seeking upgrades between the pipes, as throughout much of the summer they were the center of discussion with respect to goaltenders Roberto Luongo and Jonathan Bernier. With respect to the summer goalie rumors, it appears that any discussions regarding Luongo and or Bernier are all but over.
This ultimately means Leafs GM Nonis may need to address his need for an experienced goaltender, elsewhere. Jay Feaster has not once stated he was shopping, or even considered moving his current tender; however there seems to be a widely accepted notion that the Flames need to start selling their eldest assets for youth and future draft selections. Although there may be some truth to this, making the decision to take these steps and further following through with them is not a simple task.
Consider the above situation between the Leafs and the Flames to illustrate this very point. Although both organizations have identified their current needs (goaltending for Toronto and youth for Calgary), these teams are not viable trading partners to acquire such needs from each other.
The reason I see no deal likely being done between the two teams is because both clubs have very similar needs. Both need more youth in their system, they equally need a first line center and they are two teams who have not been able to achieve the postseason. While there is much speculation that the two teams may be discussing trade scenarios, I feel that given the similarity in needs from both sides, that there may be no real fit here.
The Maple Leafs have displayed more patient in recent years then they have in the past 10 or so, and to stray off course by moving youth or assets for a short term solution does not seem like a wise move. If any upgrades are made with respect to the Toronto Maple Leafs, they will likely hold long term goals in mind.
In addition to the above mentioned, the Calgary Flames are waiting on goaltender Karri Ramo to become available from the KHL in order to properly assess whether or not they can afford to move their current starter. Ramo has been playing quite well overseas and has expressed his excitement to get another chance to prove himself in the NHL. While the team will not likely see any of Ramo this season, he is expected to join the club in the offseason to start training.
The possible trade negotiations that are rumored to develop between the Flames and the Leafs provides an opportunity to further discuss the role of Flames GM, Jay Feaster, and his available options. The current GM for the Flames has only been in charge of this group for a short amount of time to date, and this upcoming offseason is arguably going to be his first chance to really steer this franchise in the direction he(hopefully) sees fit.
Many have argued that the Flames GM should have had sold off his valuable assets and begun reconstruction of this team much earlier. As I’ve expressed a few times, I feel this is much easier said than done. Given the limited amount of time Feaster has been in his position, the moves he has made thus far have allowed him to begin deconstructing the roster put together by his predecessor. At this point, Feaster finally has the ability to assert his own vision. He currently holds two, if not three valued assets who could bring in much needed youth and are likely not part of his plans beyond two or three years.
Although it is very easy for the media, analysts, and fans alike to emphasize the need to unload the club’s assets and rebuild, it takes a lot more patience and proper timing to do so. While Feaster may want to move said contracts, it does not mean that other GM’s are willing to give him what he wants or needs. Feaster is an intelligent hockey administrator with experience, and claiming that he is unaware of the team’s current strengths and weaknesses would be foolish.
The ad hoc approach of taking the best options currently available, and simply hoping for the best would be an inefficient method that would hinder the team in the long run. Feaster needed a full year to formulate his vision, and it will take even more time to find the right deals that will facilitate his objectives for the team. Whether these deals involve selling the likes of Iginla, Kiprusoff, and Bouwmeester to the highest bidder or holding onto a few them, remains to be seen.
There is without a doubt a current need for a goaltender like Kiprusoff where I could envision a few deals being made to help the future plans of the Flames, however I do not feel any deals could be made between Calgary and Toronto…although…Feaster was spotted at the Leafs game last night… ;)
It is of my opinion that the Flames will hold onto their veteran netminder for the remainder of this season, and explore trade options either throughout the offseason, or during the 2013-14 season. By this time the team should have a much better idea of what they have in Karri Ramo and if he has the ability to be the future goaltender for their club.
For the time being, the Flames have other assets they will likely shop around the NHL to contending teams looking for that final piece. I sincerely hope that Feaster has the ability to make the right decisions for this club and that his hands are not being tied or his decisions forced. This is a perfect time for the Flames to take advantage of teams needing upgrades or replacement pieces for their own playoff pushes, and to start constructing their own.
Thanks for reading!
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