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After a busy start to the off-season the Calgary Flames, like most teams, have been quiet of late.
Still, there has been some activity around the league and - while the Flames weren't involved - there was a relatively big trade made today that impacts the Flames.
That trade was made by a division rival as Vancouver sent forward Nick Bonino, along with defenseman Adam Clendening and a 2nd round pick, to Pittsburgh for Brandon Sutter and a 3rd round pick.
Some thoughts:
- I think this was a good example of someone's perceived value outweighing their actual value. Sutter's regarded by many as a very good defensive forward who can produce some offense. In reality
he's actually a possession anchor and he generally doesn't produce much. Sutter has 59 points over the last two seasons while Bonino - in nine less games - has 88 points. Despite that the Canucks had to throw in a prospect and a higher draft pick to get a deal done.
- Here is how Sutter's rate statistics compare to Bonino's from 2012-15.
- Another reason I think Pittsburgh did well in this deal: Bonino is signed through 2016-17 at $1.9 million. Sutter, on the other hand, makes $3.3 million and will undoubtedly be given a raise on his next contract, which apparently could come soon.
- I actually liked the Canucks last year -
I had them as my Western Conference surprise team last summer - but I'm not very optimistic they'll duplicate last season's success.
The Sedins aren't getting any younger and Vancouver's only additions this summer have been Sutter, Brandon Prust and Matt Bartowski while they have lost Bonino, Shawn Matthias, Zack Kassian, Brad Richardson, Kevin Bieksa and Eddie Lack.
Factor in that Los Angeles should rebound and divisional opponents like Calgary (Dougie Hamilton, Michael Frolik) and San Jose (Paul Martin, Martin Jones) have improved while the Anaheim Ducks should once again be good and I think the Canucks are going to be in tough.
That is good news for the Flames as at least one of LA/San Jose/Dallas will surely get back into the playoffs next season.
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