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Calgary Flames waive Bollig, should target Pulkkinen, Parenteau |
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Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
A few thoughts on all the waiver wire action we're seeing today:
1) I think the Calgary Flames were smart to finally cut Brandon Bollig. In two seasons with the Flames he played in 106 games yet managed just three goals and nine points. Offense isn't his game, obviously, but in today's NHL you simply can't carry players that don't contribute anything on the scoreboard; especially when they also struggle in possession.
With Bollig on the ice at 5 v 5 the Flames have controlled just 42.6% of the shot attempts and 33.3% of the goals. Those are absolutely horrific numbers and, as you'd expect, are good for last on the Flames over the last two seasons.
By all objective measurements a lot more bad than good happens with him on the ice. Considering he also carries a $1.25 million cap hit, a fairly high total for a poor 4th liner, it made even more sense to cut ties.
2) Speaking of $1.25 million players, there is another one on waivers today who could really help the Flames. That player, of course, is P.A. Parenteau, who was shockingly waived by the New York Islanders.
Parenteau tallied 20 goals and 41 points last season while also driving possession. $1.25 million is more than fair for a player of his caliber. Given the Flames' need for scoring depth on the wing he could be a great addition. Obviously the Flames are in a tight cap situation but I'm sure they could tinker with the roster a little bit to make room.
3) Another player who is definitely worth a claim: Teemu Pulkkinen. The 24-year-old winger has posted ridiculous numbers in the AHL and has shown well in the NHL, too. Playing limited minutes Pulkkinen put up a respectable 11 goals and 20 points in 70 games while also posting fantastic underlying numbers. The sample size isn't huge, obviously, but with Pulkkinen on the ice the Detroit Red Wings controlled 57% of the shot attempts and 64.5%(!) of the goals. He carries an extremely friendly cap hit of $812,500, too, so money wouldn't be an issue.
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