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The Calgary Flames Should Pursue Patrick Wiercioch |
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Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
The Calgary Flames had no shortage of problems during a disastrous 2015-16 season.
Among them was the play of their defense beyond the big three of Mark Giordano, T.J. Brodie and Dougie Hamilton.
Kris Russell was a mess prior to being shipped to the Dallas Stars at the trade deadline. Dennis Wideman's offensive production dropped off a cliff, his defensive play was questionable at best and he also served a lengthy suspension. It doesn't end with those two, either.
Beyond Jakub Nakladal,
who I think should be re-signed, none of the Flames' depth defensemen had particularly good seasons.
That's why I think they should target Patrick Wiercioch this summer.
Despite consistently posting positive possession and scoring chance numbers relative to his team, the Ottawa Senators are not expected to qualify the 25-year-old blue liner,
according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.
While qualifying offers to restricted free agents aren’t due until the end of June, the indication in NHL circles is unless the Senators have a change of heart they won’t tender one to the 25-year-old defenceman.
This means Wiercioch will have to shop himself around as a unrestricted free agent on July 1.
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It’s believed Senators general manager Pierre Dorion told Wiercioch in his exit meeting in April it was doubtful the club would keep him.
For whatever reason Ottawa's management team doesn't seem particularly high on Wiercioch but that doesn't necessarily mean they're right.
Since becoming an NHL regular in 2012 the Senators have controlled a larger percentage of the shot attempts, scoring chances and goals at 5 v 5 with Wiercioch on the ice as opposed to without him.
View post on imgur.com
Wiercioch won't put up crazy point totals but he is a decent skater, makes a good first pass and the on-ice results speak for themselves.
Given Wiercioch's track record, age and expected price tag I think signing him, assuming he's not qualified, is a no-brainer.
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