I could see Burke take on a bad contract or 2 this year to get prospects only because of the buyouts they have. After that he won't do it imo.
- whipper334

Yep thats probably right ,but man the money the leafs threw around during their rebuild was nuts .But they have it so they can spend it i guess

Having a decent vet to play with your young crop of forwards isnt a bad thing either

- top shelf 15

Agreed! Which I assume is exactly why they have offered him a deal.

It is probably a reasonable offer...like I said before, I would assume is definitely quite less than open market value. But it will all boil down to how bad Cammy wants to be in Calgary.

Agreed! Which I assume is exactly why they have offered him a deal.

It is probably a reasonable offer...like I said before, I would assume is definitely quite less than open market value. But it will all boil down to how bad Cammy wants to be in Calgary.
- The-O-G

Him and Mono make a very good pair ,BB wont do the edmonton type of, Kids only type of rebuild but they wont be moving their youth unless its for other youth from now on which is good

Agreed! Which I assume is exactly why they have offered him a deal.

It is probably a reasonable offer...like I said before, I would assume is definitely quite less than open market value. But it will all boil down to how bad Cammy wants to be in Calgary.
- The-O-G

I think if Cammy stays Hudler gets traded. I bet the return for Hudler would be better as well.

Having a decent vet to play with your young crop of forwards isnt a bad thing either

- top shelf 15

True, but they have to balance "decent vet" with returnable assets in a trade. Also there needs to be a place and situations in a game that the youth can play in. They need to get the exposure to those situations.

As it stands now they will have Stajan, Glencross, Hudler, and Girodano to help and guide the youth. I'm just not sure on Cammi's spot here.

I have always really liked Cammalleri, and I still do. But here and now, for the future of this team, he needs to be traded. There is already some concerns on some underperformance this season (which I don't see when you take this season into consideration). Don't risk him falling off in the next few seasons and getting even less then. Don't hang on to him too long as they may have done with Iginla.

All of the remaining UFA's (Cammi, Stempniak, Butler, and Berra) should be traded to get whatever they can in return. Seriously look at offers for (or even shop) Wideman, and Hudler. With these two especially if it can bring back top level prospects as part of the trade (Maybe Detroit would like Hudler back).

Look at some of the prospects that they have that realistically will not have a spot on this team. They can be added into a trade to bring back prospects that are a better fit positionally. Granlund is an example here. As an offensive center realistically where will he slot in behind Monahan, Backlund, and Stajan (considering players like Reinhart and Knight should be filling that future 3rd / 4th line center spot and the possibility of Jankowski as well). If he (as part of a trade) as a center prospect can help bring back a Right Wing with size and top 6 potential, then why not do it. Maybe try him as part of a trade with Minnesota. Send him to play with his brother and possibly get Coyle back (not a one for one trade but part of a deal). Maybe Anaheim will Move Etem. Granlund will help towards replacing Koivu next season. Granlund and Wideman (salary retained) for Etem plus?

There are lots of options out there that need to be aggressively chased. The trade deadline is always a very reactionary. Say what you will about a players "worth" it always happens.

True, but they have to balance "decent vet" with returnable assets in a trade. Also there needs to be a place and situations in a game that the youth can play in. They need to get the exposure to those situations.

As it stands now they will have Stajan, Glencross, Hudler, and Girodano to help and guide the youth. I'm just not sure on Cammi's spot here.

I have always really liked Cammalleri, and I still do. But here and now, for the future of this team, he needs to be traded. There is already some concerns on some underperformance this season (which I don't see when you take this season into consideration). Don't risk him falling off in the next few seasons and getting even less then. Don't hang on to him too long as they may have done with Iginla.

All of the remaining UFA's (Cammi, Stempniak, Butler, and Berra) should be traded to get whatever they can in return. Seriously look at offers for (or even shop) Wideman, and Hudler. With these two especially if it can bring back top level prospects as part of the trade (Maybe Detroit would like Hudler back).

Look at some of the prospects that they have that realistically will not have a spot on this team. They can be added into a trade to bring back prospects that are a better fit positionally. Granlund is an example here. As an offensive center realistically where will he slot in behind Monahan, Backlund, and Stajan (considering players like Reinhart and Knight should be filling that future 3rd / 4th line center spot and the possibility of Jankowski as well). If he (as part of a trade) as a center prospect can help bring back a Right Wing with size and top 6 potential, then why not do it. Maybe try him as part of a trade with Minnesota. Send him to play with his brother and possibly get Coyle back (not a one for one trade but part of a deal). Maybe Anaheim will Move Etem. Granlund will help towards replacing Koivu next season. Granlund and Wideman (salary retained) for Etem plus?

There are lots of options out there that need to be aggressively chased. The trade deadline is always a very reactionary. Say what you will about a players "worth" it always happens.
- dal_johnson

Hey if it helps the flames to move him iam sure it will be looked at .Iam just glad the flames have finally gone this route ,this rebuild has been a long time coming and i hope they do it right

True, but they have to balance "decent vet" with returnable assets in a trade. Also there needs to be a place and situations in a game that the youth can play in. They need to get the exposure to those situations.

As it stands now they will have Stajan, Glencross, Hudler, and Girodano to help and guide the youth. I'm just not sure on Cammi's spot here.

I have always really liked Cammalleri, and I still do. But here and now, for the future of this team, he needs to be traded. There is already some concerns on some underperformance this season (which I don't see when you take this season into consideration). Don't risk him falling off in the next few seasons and getting even less then. Don't hang on to him too long as they may have done with Iginla.

All of the remaining UFA's (Cammi, Stempniak, Butler, and Berra) should be traded to get whatever they can in return. Seriously look at offers for (or even shop) Wideman, and Hudler. With these two especially if it can bring back top level prospects as part of the trade (Maybe Detroit would like Hudler back).

Look at some of the prospects that they have that realistically will not have a spot on this team. They can be added into a trade to bring back prospects that are a better fit positionally. Granlund is an example here. As an offensive center realistically where will he slot in behind Monahan, Backlund, and Stajan (considering players like Reinhart and Knight should be filling that future 3rd / 4th line center spot and the possibility of Jankowski as well). If he (as part of a trade) as a center prospect can help bring back a Right Wing with size and top 6 potential, then why not do it. Maybe try him as part of a trade with Minnesota. Send him to play with his brother and possibly get Coyle back (not a one for one trade but part of a deal). Maybe Anaheim will Move Etem. Granlund will help towards replacing Koivu next season. Granlund and Wideman (salary retained) for Etem plus?

There are lots of options out there that need to be aggressively chased. The trade deadline is always a very reactionary. Say what you will about a players "worth" it always happens.
- dal_johnson

I agree with most of that but I don't know if I would give up on Granlund yet. Maybe package Baertschi???

*now I have to run and hide*

I could see Burke take on a bad contract or 2 this year to get prospects only because of the buyouts they have. After that he won't do it imo.
- whipper334

I agree and I think he should take on a bad contract or 2 if it means a better pick/prospect. We need to reach the floor the next couple of years and IMO this will speed up our rebuild.

As for Cammi, , someone has to go to clear some room. So if he stays, then its because there is a deal in place for another forward like Hudler. Otherwise, if the offers are just that terrible, then if he's willing, sign him to a 2 year deal.

Hey if it helps the flames to move him iam sure it will be looked at .Iam just glad the flames have finally gone this route ,this rebuild has been a long time coming and i hope they do it right

- top shelf 15

Amen!

I agree with most of that but I don't know if I would give up on Granlund yet. Maybe package Baertschi???

*now I have to run and hide*
- whipper334

I know what you are saying (not the Baertschi part). But unless Granlund can move to the wing, where does he play to get a real chance to show what he can do?

He needs to be a top 3 center to really show his abilities, and for the Flames to really see his potential and benefit from it. So that means he has to play ahead of Monahan, Backlund, and Stajan. Granlund as the 4th line center is pointless. He won't get the minutes to show anything, and will not have the line mates required to benefit from his abilities. And I'd rather see what Colborne, Reinhart or Knight can do consistently in the 3rd / 4th line center spots.

Moving him to the wing doesn't really help either. The Flames need wingers with size, a power forward type. So where would Granlund slot in with Gaudreau, Baertschi, Poirier, Klimchuk, Glencross, and Hudler already as wingers.

I could understand waiting until draft time to move a prospect like Granlund, but if it helps better the return to package him with Cammalleri now (can't wait until the draft on Cammi) then they should do it. That's why I think he was called up. Give him a week to showcase somewhat ahead of the deadline.

I know what you are saying (not the Baertschi part). But unless Granlund can move to the wing, where does he play to get a real chance to show what he can do?

He needs to be a top 3 center to really show his abilities, and for the Flames to really see his potential and benefit from it. So that means he has to play ahead of Monahan, Backlund, and Stajan. Granlund as the 4th line center is pointless. He won't get the minutes to show anything, and will not have the line mates required to benefit from his abilities. And I'd rather see what Colborne, Reinhart or Knight can do consistently in the 3rd / 4th line center spots.

Moving him to the wing doesn't really help either. The Flames need wingers with size, a power forward type. So where would Granlund slot in with Gaudreau, Baertschi, Poirier, Klimchuk, Glencross, and Hudler already as wingers.

I could understand waiting until draft time to move a prospect like Granlund, but if it helps better the return to package him with Cammalleri now (can't wait until the draft on Cammi) then they should do it.
- dal_johnson

Makes sense!

I know what you are saying (not the Baertschi part). But unless Granlund can move to the wing, where does he play to get a real chance to show what he can do?

He needs to be a top 3 center to really show his abilities, and for the Flames to really see his potential and benefit from it. So that means he has to play ahead of Monahan, Backlund, and Stajan. Granlund as the 4th line center is pointless. He won't get the minutes to show anything, and will not have the line mates required to benefit from his abilities. And I'd rather see what Colborne, Reinhart or Knight can do consistently in the 3rd / 4th line center spots.

Moving him to the wing doesn't really help either. The Flames need wingers with size, a power forward type. So where would Granlund slot in with Gaudreau, Baertschi, Poirier, Klimchuk, Glencross, and Hudler already as wingers.

I could understand waiting until draft time to move a prospect like Granlund, but if it helps better the return to package him with Cammalleri now (can't wait until the draft on Cammi) then they should do it. That's why I think he was called up. Give him a week to showcase somewhat ahead of the deadline.
- dal_johnson

Or maybe they are seeing if he can replace Backlund? I'm sure there are teams calling Burke asking for Backs.

Or maybe they are seeing if he can replace Backlund? I'm sure there are teams calling Burke asking for Backs.
- FL4MES

If so the return better be awesome!!

And by return I mean similar player and age... Backs is only 24 and is now coming into his own. No sense trading him for picks that will be 3 years away. That's what the old vets are for.

If so the return better be awesome!!

And by return I mean similar player and age... Backs is only 24 and is now coming into his own. No sense trading him for picks that will be 3 years away. That's what the old vets are for.
- whipper334

Who would you be happy with? I'd be looking for a hard-nosed winger with top 6 pedigree, or a big nasty young defenseman.

Who would you be happy with? I'd be looking for a hard-nosed winger with top 6 pedigree, or a big nasty young defenseman.
- jtommyt

agreed! I think next year Seiloff will be that D man. As far as forward goes, who knows. Might just be better to keep Backs imo.

...and draft Ritchie

agreed! I think next year Seiloff will be that D man. As far as forward goes, who knows. Might just be better to keep Backs imo.

...and draft Ritchie
- whipper334

I was hoping Breen could be that type of guy too, and maybe he still can... but he just looks so tentative out there. I'm not sure he thinks fast enough to be effective at the NHL level.

I was hoping Breen could be that type of guy too, and maybe he still can... but he just looks so tentative out there. I'm not sure he thinks fast enough to be effective at the NHL level.
- jtommyt

Yeah probably right.

Or maybe they are seeing if he can replace Backlund? I'm sure there are teams calling Burke asking for Backs.
- FL4MES

That's a step backwards in my opinion. After all this time developing Backlund, and him finally coming into his own and playing like they have wanted him to be, to then trade him away and essentially start over with another rookie centerman? It doesn't make any sense. If Backlund was 5 years older, then maybe. But I can't see any logic to that now. Backlund has earned his spot on this team going forward.

Granted anybody can be traded if the offer is right, but it better be a hell of an offer.

Who would you be happy with? I'd be looking for a hard-nosed winger with top 6 pedigree, or a big nasty young defenseman.
- jtommyt

Myers? If there is any truth to the Gagner to buffalo rumors then you'd have to think backs would be an attractive option for buffalo.

agreed! I think next year Seiloff will be that D man. As far as forward goes, who knows. Might just be better to keep Backs imo.

...and draft Ritchie
- whipper334

Depends where they pick. If top three I don't think they should pass on Reinhart / Bennett / Ekblad. Fourth it is hard to pass on Dal Colle but I could see it there. If fifth then definitely.

And I think I lean towards Virtanen over Ritchie. Both are big kids and the power forwards they are missing. Ritchie is a bit bigger and a bit more physical. But Virtanen has a better goal scoring touch and is faster. And because Virtanen plays the right side and is a right handed shot. The left side is already pretty full up with Gaudreau, Baertschi, Klimchuk, and Poirier. Granted one of them could move to the right side (Poirier did at the development camp) but still a lot of players there. And that is before you count someone like Glencross.

I do like a top 6 of Gaudreau / Monahan / Poirier, and Baertschi / Backlund / Virtanen or Ritchie

Depends where they pick. If top three I don't think they should pass on Reinhart / Bennett / Ekblad. Fourth it is hard to pass on Dal Colle but I could see it there. If fifth then definitely.

And I think I lean towards Virtanen over Ritchie. Both are big kids and the power forwards they are missing. Ritchie is a bit bigger and a bit more physical. But Virtanen has a better goal scoring touch and is faster. And because Virtanen plays the right side and is a right handed shot. The left side is already pretty full up with Gaudreau, Baertschi, Klimchuk, and Poirier. Granted one of them could move to the right side (Poirier did at the development camp) but still a lot of players there. And that is before you count someone like Glencross.

I do like a top 6 of Gaudreau / Monahan / Poirier, and Baertschi / Backlund / Virtanen or Ritchie
- dal_johnson

Just looking at this now....is this gonna get the job done? Sooooo many question marks, especially Gaudreau and Baertschi.

Just looking at this now....is this gonna get the job done?
- The-O-G

Too early to tell and too many of them yet to be proven (or even really given a shot). But it is a definitely a very good starting point to work from.

Realistically it probably won't be exactly that, but the "re-build" is where you find out which of them will develop as hoped. Then a couple years in is where they add in a more veteran top 6 presence through trade or free agency. That is when they go to the next step from building through the draft to spending the money to finish off the team. If Gaudreau, for example, doesn't pan out (which I really hope he is all they hope he can be) then spend on a more veteran left wing to fill that top 6 role. But again they are a couple years from that stage.

It is pretty much the Chicago example. They developed and built, then finished off by spending on Hossa. Pittsburgh and LA did very similar.

Too early to tell and too many of them yet to be proven (or even really given a shot). But it is a definitely a very good starting point to work from.

Realistically it probably won't be exactly that, but the "re-build" is where you find out which of them will develop as hoped. Then a couple years in is where they add in a more veteran top 6 presence through trade or free agency. That is when they go to the next step from building through the draft to spending the money to finish off the team. If Gaudreau, for example, doesn't pan out (which I really hope he is all they hope he can be) then spend on a more veteran left wing to fill that top 6 role. But again they are a couple years from that stage.

It is pretty much the Chicago example. They developed and built, then finished off by spending on Hossa. Pittsburgh and LA did very similar.
- dal_johnson

To me JG is the HUGE wildcard. Could be a gamebreaker, could be a bust. Could go many different directions.

To me JG is the HUGE wildcard. Could be a gamebreaker, could be a bust. Could go many different directions.
- The-O-G

I completely agree.

At the same time I find it hard to label a 4th round draft pick that doesn't pan out to be the top two line winger as a "bust".

Now if it is Baertschi that goes that way, then that is a different story.

I completely agree.

At the same time I find it hard to label a 4th round draft pick that doesn't pan out to be the top two line winger as a "bust".

Now if it is Baertschi that goes that way, then that is a different story.
- dal_johnson

Agreed...but in hindsight that pick was an absolute steal. I basing my expectations off what we know about him as of today.