Well if the player has a say in where he wants to go, obviously they do, then I strongly think that Yandle doesn't want to come to the Flames as he might feel he does not belong here. I cant imagine him saying "I would love to be a second pairing guy behind Gio-Brodie for 5 years". + We have Wideman for now and if one of our prospects makes the jump (T-Spoon, more via trade), i expect Wideman to be traded in the off season, unless he wants to stay for a playoff run next season and accept a 4/5, pp specialist role. I see Russell with us long term as a 4/5 just like Wideman, but more on the defensive side of things (pk man)

I'm a lot of things but an Oiler fan I'm not.

I agree with what you are saying about Gio, I think we should trade him now. I was also part of the minority that thought we should have traded Iggy in 2008-2009. Gio will bring us a huge huge return right now, such a return I think its to much to pass up. With his cap hit for next season as low as it is and given his age it's almost a bad business decision not to trade him.
- DinoRondelly

HAH

A bad business decision? This team would collapse without him!!!!

JESUS

HAH

A bad business decision? This team would collapse without him!!!!

JESUS
- The-O-G

He is what 33 after next year? It was already stated he will probably regress. And he is going to want a 7 year deal in the $7.5mill range min and if he wins the Norris watch out. The Flames will not be competing for the cup in the next 4 years period by that time Gio is 36 - 37 and being pushed further down the depth chart with a huge un-trade-able contract.

Got Gio for nothing (Buy low) he is at the top of his game (Sell high) .. its elementary clown fish.

He is what 33 after next year? It was already stated he will probably regress. And he is going to want a 7 year deal in the $7.5mill range min and if he wins the Norris watch out. The Flames will not be competing for the cup in the next 4 years period by that time Gio is 36 - 37 and being pushed further down the depth chart with a huge un-trade-able contract.

Got Gio for nothing (Buy low) he is at the top of his game (Sell high) .. its elementary clown fish.
- DinoRondelly

When was the last time a player up for a Norris was traded mid season?

I'm a lot of things but an Oiler fan I'm not.

I agree with what you are saying about Gio, I think we should trade him now. I was also part of the minority that thought we should have traded Iggy in 2008-2009. Gio will bring us a huge huge return right now, such a return I think its to much to pass up. With his cap hit for next season as low as it is and given his age it's almost a bad business decision not to trade him.
- DinoRondelly

Yea you are spot on about trading Iggy when his value was high in 2008-2009, but i Think Gio means so much more for the team now during this rebuild than Iggy did back then. Gio is 30 and im sure Burke and Treliving kno what they are doing and will sign him for 5-6 years at 6-7 mil, which is a bargain for the leadership and skill he provides. He was a late bloomer, and now that he has blossomed, we should reap the benefits and keep him for cheap (once again 6-7, maybe a bit more). He is only 30 anyways and has a solid 3-4 years ahead of him. Iginla was what, 32-33? in 09 and started to get slower (still had solid production, even when he signed with Boston). If we traded Gio now that is value is high, how are we supposed to make a serious run for a playoff spot next season, let alone this season? I dont think just cause a players value is high at an older age you trade him. We benefit more from him staying here. Besides, his heart is in Calgary and he has been allowed by management to take another step in his game going from second pairing overshadowed kinda guy to - lets see what he can with the the C and top minutes, and he hasn't let anyone down.

He is what 33 after next year? It was already stated he will probably regress. And he is going to want a 7 year deal in the $7.5mill range min and if he wins the Norris watch out. The Flames will not be competing for the cup in the next 4 years period by that time Gio is 36 - 37 and being pushed further down the depth chart with a huge un-trade-able contract.

Got Gio for nothing (Buy low) he is at the top of his game (Sell high) .. its elementary clown fish.
- DinoRondelly

If you traded everyone at the top of their game you`d never have anyone at the top of their game!

It`s fine if Gio isn`t a top pairing guy when he is 36-37, Yandle will be ready by then

But I get why you want to plan for the future, but at some point you have to accept the fact that some players need to stick around to help this team now. It`s not all about building your prospect pool so high until BOOM, one day it all comes together. It takes years and years to build a contender and a great franchise (with the help of guys like Gio to teach the prospects). It`s not just stacking chips!

When was the last time a player up for a Norris was traded mid season?
- whipper334

What if we miss the playoffs and then bottom out next year and Gio is average in a contract year and we decide to move him at the TDL do you think you will get half of what you could have today? You could probably get Buffalo's 1st plus a good defensive prospect for him, do you not make that deal?

Do you not think they should have learned this lesson from the massive disappointment the return for Iggy was?

Should they ignore this is the deepest draft since 2003 and they are rebuilding and not try to flip as many assets as possible for more 1st round pics?

If you traded everyone at the top of their game you`d never have anyone at the top of their game!

It`s fine if Gio isn`t a top pairing guy when he is 36-37, Yandle will be ready by then

But I get why you want to plan for the future, but at some point you have to accept the fact that some players need to stick around to help this team now. It`s not all about building your prospect pool so high until BOOM, one day it all comes together. It takes years and years to build a contender and a great franchise (with the help of guys like Gio to teach the prospects). It`s not just stacking chips!
- The-O-G

I agree to some extent, I think there are other guys you hold on to that will fill the role you are asking Gio to fill. I just think the return would be to great with the premium put on top paring d-man this year. And the draft is too deep not to try and get as many first round pics as possible. And when they are ready to make a run you will be able to find 36-37 year old dman for the 2nd rounders you wont value so much.

What if we miss the playoffs and then bottom out next year and Gio is average in a contract year and we decide to move him at the TDL do you think you will get half of what you could have today? You could probably get Buffalo's 1st plus a good defensive prospect for him, do you not make that deal?

Do you not think they should have learned this lesson from the massive disappointment the return for Iggy was?

Should they ignore this is the deepest draft since 2003 and they are rebuilding and not try to flip as many assets as possible for more 1st round pics?
- DinoRondelly

GlenX yes, maybe Hudler, but you do not trade you leader when you have such a young team. And if you do you become the Oilers 2.0!

Yea you are spot on about trading Iggy when his value was high in 2008-2009, but i Think Gio means so much more for the team now during this rebuild than Iggy did back then. Gio is 30 and im sure Burke and Treliving kno what they are doing and will sign him for 5-6 years at 6-7 mil, which is a bargain for the leadership and skill he provides. He was a late bloomer, and now that he has blossomed, we should reap the benefits and keep him for cheap (once again 6-7, maybe a bit more). He is only 30 anyways and has a solid 3-4 years ahead of him. Iginla was what, 32-33? in 09 and started to get slower (still had solid production, even when he signed with Boston). If we traded Gio now that is value is high, how are we supposed to make a serious run for a playoff spot next season, let alone this season? I dont think just cause a players value is high at an older age you trade him. We benefit more from him staying here. Besides, his heart is in Calgary and he has been allowed by management to take another step in his game going from second pairing overshadowed kinda guy to - lets see what he can with the the C and top minutes, and he hasn't let anyone down.
- Flamesfan_34

He is 31 and will be 32 when next season starts and 33 when his new contract kicks in. I honestly don't see him signing for less then market value this will be his last contract and will be able to make as much as 56 mill from 33-40.

I remember calling into overtime back then and suggesting trading Iggy and people used the same argument about how he was the heart and soul and so on. That didnt work out so well.

As for competing for a playoff spot next year, Gio isnt going to make or break that. And who knows how Bennet will perform. I see a huge step back next year for this team with or with out Gio.

GlenX yes, maybe Hudler, but you do not trade you leader when you have such a young team. And if you do you become the Oilers 2.0!
- whipper334

I dont agree I think the Oilers issues are a lot more from trying to build your team around a winger. We will have strong centermen better goaltending and a better defense next year with out Gio then the Oilers have in year 10 of their rebuild.

What if we miss the playoffs and then bottom out next year and Gio is average in a contract year and we decide to move him at the TDL do you think you will get half of what you could have today? You could probably get Buffalo's 1st plus a good defensive prospect for him, do you not make that deal?

Do you not think they should have learned this lesson from the massive disappointment the return for Iggy was?

Should they ignore this is the deepest draft since 2003 and they are rebuilding and not try to flip as many assets as possible for more 1st round pics?
- DinoRondelly

Well our initial plan wasn't to expect to make the playoffs either it was play hard like we do and see how it goes the first 20 games and from there on we'll decide if we make a push for the playoffs (which we are now). If we end up missing the post-season then its not the end of the world and proper to say things like "we should have traded so and so when their value was high and now we either lost them or their contract year. Gio, Hudler, Backlund, Russell, are strictly with us for the purpose of builiding a good environment for the youth to work around. In the end its, keep the vets you think will be here for many more seasons (Gio, Russell, maybe Hudler), and trade the ones who are not a part of it (Wideman, HILLER, Jones, Engelland (no ones taking him for that much).

Also, its hard to compare Gio with Iggy and the state of where we're at. Playoffs bubble team then, and hard working-rebulding-progressing bubble team now. + Gio's a D-Man who in my opinion is bringing a lot to the table for the Flames. I thought the 2013 draft was the deepest since 2003? So wouldn't the 2015 be deepest since 2013?

Interesting...Cody Nickolet ‏@Avs_Tweets 11m Long been rumoured but Elliotte Friedman confirmed today that the #Avs said no to a 2013 trade with Calgary. 1st overall pick for 6, 22, 28.

He is 31 and will be 32 when next season starts and 33 when his new contract kicks in. I honestly don't see him signing for less then market value this will be his last contract and will be able to make as much as 56 mill from 33-40.

I remember calling into overtime back then and suggesting trading Iggy and people used the same argument about how he was the heart and soul and so on. That didnt work out so well.

As for competing for a playoff spot next year, Gio isnt going to make or break that. And who knows how Bennet will perform. I see a huge step back next year for this team with or with out Gio.
- DinoRondelly

But one of the major points in having a leader (both on and off the ice) IS the development component. Why is Brodie having the success he is? Now insert _____ and do you still have the same production. If his game drops, put him on a second pairing, hell put him with Russell. Point is lets assume he actually wins the Norris, do you not think his value may actually go up? I'm still not sold on a playoff spot this year and thats ok. Continue to develop what you have, draft smart and if a trade is there for the non-core pieces (Hudler, Wideman, GlenX) then do it but with the rebuild in mind, not the Sutter/Feaster model...

Whippers point of the Oilers is bang on... all the young talent in the world but no supporting cast and sure as hell no leadership.

Interesting...Cody Nickolet ‏@Avs_Tweets 11m Long been rumoured but Elliotte Friedman confirmed today that the #Avs said no to a 2013 trade with Calgary. 1st overall pick for 6, 22, 28.
- DDM-Coga

Nathan MacKinnon

for

Sean Monahan
Emile Poirier
Morgan Klimchuk

Would you do that today?

Interesting...Cody Nickolet ‏@Avs_Tweets 11m Long been rumoured but Elliotte Friedman confirmed today that the #Avs said no to a 2013 trade with Calgary. 1st overall pick for 6, 22, 28.
- DDM-Coga

Yeah I heard that a while a go. Then I would've done it. Today...not a chance!

He is 31 and will be 32 when next season starts and 33 when his new contract kicks in. I honestly don't see him signing for less then market value this will be his last contract and will be able to make as much as 56 mill from 33-40.

I remember calling into overtime back then and suggesting trading Iggy and people used the same argument about how he was the heart and soul and so on. That didnt work out so well.

As for competing for a playoff spot next year, Gio isnt going to make or break that. And who knows how Bennet will perform. I see a huge step back next year for this team with or with out Gio.
- DinoRondelly

Sorry yea, I forgot to check his age, 32 when next season starts and 33 on new contract, but I can see him signing less than market value on a longer term contract such as 7-8 years, and higher on a 5-6 year one. But just as you said to someone else, the Oilers problems are from building around a winger, just as we did with Iginla. Gio is a defensemen, brings almost 5 mins more than Iginla, and is in the prime of his career where as Iggy just got slower. Gio probably wont produce as many points next year, but thats because we'll grab another defensemen or two. As for the step back I think you may be right as we won't break this years performance, and are likely to ship off a couple vets this TDD and/or offseason, (nothing too big other than Hiller or Ramo's loss as Ortio will be up next year and Hudler will re-sign

Sorry yea, I forgot to check his age, 32 when next season starts and 33 on new contract, but I can see him signing less than market value on a longer term contract such as 7-8 years, and higher on a 5-6 year one. But just as you said to someone else, the Oilers problems are from building around a winger, just as we did with Iginla. Gio is a defensemen, brings almost 5 mins more than Iginla, and is in the prime of his career where as Iggy just got slower. Gio probably wont produce as many points next year, but thats because we'll grab another defensemen or two. As for the step back I think you may be right as we won't break this years performance, and are likely to ship off a couple vets this TDD and/or offseason, (nothing too big other than Hiller or Ramo's loss as Ortio will be up next year and Hudler will re-sign
- Flamesfan_34

Everyone could be right, I just think you can capitalize now and Brodie will be another year older next year too and ready for more responsibility.

Don't get me wrong I am a huge Gio fan, but also a life long Flames fan and 89 was a long long time ago .. 2004 was a long long time ago to

Everyone could be right, I just think you can capitalize now and Brodie will be another year older next year too and ready for more responsibility.

Don't get me wrong I am a huge Gio fan, but also a life long Flames fan and 89 was a long long time ago .. 2004 was a long long time ago to

- DinoRondelly

No doubt!

Everyone could be right, I just think you can capitalize now and Brodie will be another year older next year too and ready for more responsibility.

Don't get me wrong I am a huge Gio fan, but also a life long Flames fan and 89 was a long long time ago .. 2004 was a long long time ago to

- DinoRondelly

It would need to be a blockbuster (like a Karlsson, Doughty, et al, type return) and COULD NOT INVOLVE THE TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS!!!! been there done that!!!!!!

Nathan MacKinnon

for

Sean Monahan
Emile Poirier
Morgan Klimchuk

Would you do that today?
- DinoRondelly

Today, no, back then, probably

McKinnon may be faltering this year, and Monahan is certainly on the rise, but it is hard to say that you wouldn't typically want the more skilled guy in your lineup. I can't speak for McKinnon, but I love Monahan's demeanor on the ice, nothing bothers the guy, he doesn't lose his mind when he scores, and he is CLUTCH!

In a twisted way, I can understand at times how Edmonton never dealt their #1 picks, and I wonder if Colorado in any way will regret not moving McKinnon to bolster their team in other areas when they had a chance... Let's not forget, the year before they were nearly a playoff team, and then absolutely stunk the joint up for a season only to return to the playoffs after drafting McKinnon. After drafting him, they had arguably 4 #1 or #2 centres in their lineup - Duchene, O'Reilly, McKinnon and Stasny... Talk about an embarrassment of riches! If they translate one of these guys into a D-man, look out!

Everyone could be right, I just think you can capitalize now and Brodie will be another year older next year too and ready for more responsibility.

Don't get me wrong I am a huge Gio fan, but also a life long Flames fan and 89 was a long long time ago .. 2004 was a long long time ago to

- DinoRondelly

Brodie would be sad to see his running mate leave and wouldn't put up such glorious numbers with Widemen or Russell. On the other hand i don't think Iginla would be sad to see Stajan or Cervenka leave. Point is, Iggy never had a legitimate 1C, if he did we could have done some damage from 2000-now. So unless we get another top 10 Dman roster player ++ for Gio then its gonna be hard not to re-sign him.

I agree to some extent, I think there are other guys you hold on to that will fill the role you are asking Gio to fill. I just think the return would be to great with the premium put on top paring d-man this year. And the draft is too deep not to try and get as many first round pics as possible. And when they are ready to make a run you will be able to find 36-37 year old dman for the 2nd rounders you wont value so much.
- DinoRondelly

Fair enough...I get what you`re saying, I just don`t think we are at that point with Gio at the moment.

I don`t think the return is as great as you think it would be either. Certainly a team like Buffalo would not shovel away their first rounder like you suggested above (after all, this goes against everything your saying the Flames should do).

If you`re looking at possible suitors I would throw out Pittsburgh (or someone similar). More than likely you`re getting a late pick (although they don`t have theirs), a good young player, and a good prospect. I think we`d all cringe at the return.

Nathan MacKinnon

for

Sean Monahan
Emile Poirier
Morgan Klimchuk

Would you do that today?
- DinoRondelly

right now, no. Nothing against those prospects, you guys did really well in that draft but with how the drafted unfolded, the looking back after the fact of the picks doesnt get me too excited based on the Avs needs. like shea Theodore (LHS Dman) instead of Klimchuk or Shinkaruk (RW) instead of Poirier...etc

Yeah I heard that a while a go. Then I would've done it. Today...not a chance!
- whipper334

Yea because now we're stoked about Monahan being a legit 1/2 C with Bennett, and Poirer replacing Iggy's numbers/value on RW