http://youtu.be/-aPK5kYGsQs
- FLflames34

I will never get that time back.

That's a fair criticism, as he had a rough go of it last year. Though I think he will be fine. Still think he has a higher ceiling than Hall IF he puts it together.

The Oil SHOULD be on the rise this yr. Then again, until the kids prove they can be the leaders, it's a crapshoot.

I don't think the Flames have a barren prospect pool anymore. They should be ranked in the teens this yr (maybe 16th?) and are only going to get better. And the Center, IMO, is finally shored up. Backs, Monahan, and (eventually) Jankowski. I have high hopes the Calgary scouts knew what they were doing with him, and with any luck, they can call him up in 3 yrs after he is done with college.

The Oil didn't have this luxury to wait, which is why I think the rebuild will be quicker for Calgary. The right kids are up now, Feaster made the right (small) acquisitions to allow those not ready to develop properly in the AHL/College, and Calgary will be that much better. I hope Feaster sticks around, he's done a helluva job.
- FLflames34

I wasn't hacking on the oil with that comment, they had no choice. I just felt he really needed time in the AHL to physically mature...and I think thats where the injuries came from.

Baert needed it, so I'm glad he went down for the year. I hope Monahan follows the same route as Beart and does a year in the AHL as well to get some pounds on him.

So you think 2 centres will replace the loss of tanguay, iginla, and bouwmeester?
- Oiler4Ever

With allllll respect to those three NHL beauties, the question from last year was all about the way in which Hartley was turning the tides with a new offense. It was wonderful to watch the offense flow and score quick goals early... but awful to watch the breakdowns of defence. The Flames were not the greatest of teams with those three, but there is still talent on Calgary.
Numerous Calgary Flames will have the best season they've ever had next year, regardless of how low in the standings they finish.

Brodie has to be one of the more underrated young defensemen. Guy had a solid campaign for himself amidst a horrible season for the Flames.

I see him as a Doughty-type. Puck moving dman, and with any luck, some grit to come.
If we can get him at 4 yrs 3.75 per I'd be stoked.

And everyone laughed at me last offseason for saying he'd get 5mm.
- FLflames34

He's got a lot of room to grow before he gets to "Doughty" type.

Oh, and I'm still laughing at you......

The 500k a yr overpayment is justified by his likelihood of signing it vs 5 yrs. Remember Phaneuf got his big contract, much bigger, after 2 solid seasons. Signing Brodie to this after 1 is the smarter play. Don't see him taking 5 yrs at 3.25, but 4 at 3.75 is something they may consider.
- FLflames34

It's not really a fair comparison. Phaneuf looked like a lock to become a first ballot Hall of Famer after his first three seasons. There was nothing wrong with the contract he got. It wasn't 2 solid seasons. It was two amazing seasons.

I haven't seen any traces of eliteness in Brodie's game. Sure he's a bright spot for the Flames but I still only see him as a solid 2-3 at best. 3.25 and 3.75 aren't monster numbers but I wouldn't hate it if he only signed a 2 or 3 year contract. Fans are eager to jump all over the bad 5 year deals that get signed but then always want to throw them out whenever someone shows a glimmer of promise.

It's not really a fair comparison. Phaneuf looked like a lock to become a first ballot Hall of Famer after his first three seasons. There was nothing wrong with the contract he got. It wasn't 2 solid seasons. It was two amazing seasons.

I haven't seen any traces of eliteness in Brodie's game. Sure he's a bright spot for the Flames but I still only see him as a solid 2-3 at best. 3.25 and 3.75 aren't monster numbers but I wouldn't hate it if he only signed a 2 or 3 year contract. Fans are eager to jump all over the bad 5 year deals that get signed but then always want to throw them out whenever someone shows a glimmer of promise.
- Hunkulese

Brodie is better compared to gio. A dependable top 4 that can eat up minutes and hold his own.

He's not a game breaker. But he'll keep things in check.

Wotherspoon will be similar too.

Brodie is better compared to gio. A dependable top 4 that can eat up minutes and hold his own.

He's not a game breaker. But he'll keep things in check.

Wotherspoon will be similar too.
- numbear

I don't see him as better than Giordano and he definitely hasn't done enough to earn a Giordano like contract.