A lot of people are questioning if Backes is even captain material. Plus he's had multiple concussions and is on the wrong side of 30. I would only trade for him if the price was reasonable and i suspect it won't be.

Hudler for Backes I could get on board with though, but the Blues would want more.
- Nucker101

Why would we offer up more than Hudler?
They're both UFA's and hard to compare as they're different type.of players but fill organisational needs
At this point, I'd rather have another year of Hudler chemistry and tutelage for the young kids than a big man with concussion history who's best season was 5 years ago with 62 points.
Maybe I'm being an optimist, but I'm hoping Hudler is just hitting his stried in a more prominent role with the Flames

I may be biased because he plays in the same division, but leadership and backes go together like diet and fat deadmarsh. As evidence, their playoff performances the past several seasons.
- darkman

Backes is hardly the sole reason or the major reason for early playoff exits...
- now if you had of said diet and Flyfreaky...

Why would we offer up more than Hudler?
They're both UFA's and hard to compare as they're different type.of players but fill organisational needs
At this point, I'd rather have another year of Hudler chemistry and tutelage for the young kids than a big man with concussion history who's best season was 5 years ago with 62 points.
Maybe I'm being an optimist, but I'm hoping Hudler is just hitting his stried in a more prominent role with the Flames
- cpltanto

Backes plays center, they typically have more value. I'm not saying I'd want to give up more than Hudler, just that STL will likely want more.

Backes is hardly the sole reason or the major reason for early playoff exits...
- now if you had of said diet and Flyfreaky...
- geta02it

Probably, but that doesn't make sense for the flames as nice as the immediate return would be. I really wanna see Bennett have a long career in Calgary, I think he's the kind of player who wins a team championships.
- Saskabush

I agree. If the Flames were a couple years ahead of where they are, it makes sense. I wouldn't like it tho, can't (frank)ing wait to see Benny develop.

Why would we offer up more than Hudler?
They're both UFA's and hard to compare as they're different type.of players but fill organisational needs
At this point, I'd rather have another year of Hudler chemistry and tutelage for the young kids than a big man with concussion history who's best season was 5 years ago with 62 points.
Maybe I'm being an optimist, but I'm hoping Hudler is just hitting his stried in a more prominent role with the Flames
- cpltanto

I guess the fear is if he has another good year (in yr 3 of a rebuild) being a pending RFA does he have trade value or do we just lit him walk? The whole trade high argument (as is with Wideman). No coincidence his linemates helped him raise the bar and vice versa...

I agree. If the Flames were a couple years ahead of where they are, it makes sense. I wouldn't like it tho, can't (frank)ing wait to see Benny develop.
- IggyOnly

Bennett plays the same style of game as Lucic without the size. Can you imagine the two on the 2nd line behind Hud/Gaud/Mony line? I would love to see us go after Luche. 1 year test drive. If we faulted, trade him at the TDL & get some of the assets back. Tspoon/Granlund & a 3rd would be a smoking deal for us

I would also be down with carrying Savards cap hit for two years. Tspoon & our #45 for Savard & their 1st.

Backes plays center, they typically have more value. I'm not saying I'd want to give up more than Hudler, just that STL will likely want more.
- Nucker101

Hudler was always listed as a centre too until we converted him to full time winger
On our team I would probably think Backes slots in on RW as we have few RH shots

Bennett plays the same style of game as Lucic without the size. Can you imagine the two on the 2nd line behind Hud/Gaud/Mony line? I would love to see us go after Luche. 1 year test drive. If we faulted, trade him at the TDL & get some of the assets back. Tspoon/Granlund & a 3rd would be a smoking deal for us

I would also be down with carrying Savards cap hit for two years. Tspoon & our #45 for Savard & their 1st.
- Kevin R

Yeah? You sure about that? 50% of Lucics game is scaring the poop out of people and the other half is backing it up. Not sure Bennett scares anyone.

Not trolling or being negative towards Bennett just don't see the similarities you speak of.

If they were to go for Backes, then they should first decide if they will have Bennett be a center or a winger.

Backes it too good a center to try to shift to the wing, and you aren't going to go after him with the intent that he will be 3rd line.

If Bennett will stay at center, then they might as well offer Backlund as there wouldn't be a spot for him

Hudler was always listed as a centre too until we converted him to full time winger
On our team I would probably think Backes slots in on RW as we have few RH shots
- cpltanto

Guarantee you that most teams would prefer/value Hudler as a winger and Backes as a center.

Bennett plays the same style of game as Lucic without the size. Can you imagine the two on the 2nd line behind Hud/Gaud/Mony line? I would love to see us go after Luche. 1 year test drive. If we faulted, trade him at the TDL & get some of the assets back. Tspoon/Granlund & a 3rd would be a smoking deal for us

I would also be down with carrying Savards cap hit for two years. Tspoon & our #45 for Savard & their 1st.
- Kevin R

I think Bennett has the potential to play that kind of game. His reputation is hard nosed but I doubt he intimidates anyone in the league.......yet!

I think he'll be a stud once his balls drop and he shaves more than once a month.

Guarantee you that most teams would prefer/value Hudler as a winger and Backes as a center.
- Nucker101

Hmmmmm.....

Guarantee you that most teams would prefer/value Hudler as a winger and Backes as a center.
- Nucker101

100%

I think Bennett has the potential to play that kind of game. His reputation is hard nosed but I doubt he intimidates anyone in the league.......yet!

I think he'll be a stud once his balls drop and he shaves more than once a month.
- geta02it

And has the common courtesy of doing some steroids.

And has the common courtesy of doing some steroids.
- Jeropotato

I think Lucic does much more than Steroids...

I think Lucic does much more than Steroids...
- geta02it

Wouldn't doubt it. He probably doesn't act like a douchebag at all when his ripped on cocaine.

I think Lucic does much more than Steroids...
- geta02it

It'd be a waste for him not to use that powerful, crooked nose.

Regarding Beleskey, I agree w DDM even if quote system is broke today. Not worth the overpayment, and remember, he was veeeeery close to being healthy scratched at the start of the postseason.

Id like him at 2.5 per but no more. Bouma is not far off production wise and sells out as well.

Regarding Beleskey, I agree w DDM even if quote system is broke today. Not worth the overpayment, and remember, he was veeeeery close to being healthy scratched at the start of the postseason.

Id like him at 2.5 per but no more. Bouma is not far off production wise and sells out as well.
- FLflames34

I may be biased because he plays in the same division, but leadership and backes go together like diet and fat deadmarsh. As evidence, their playoff performances the past several seasons.
- darkman

Jiri Tlusty, depending on the price is someone I'd be interested in. He'd be a good fit for the system.

There would be no better add then Lucic. His name is only whispered the NHL back alleys due to how feared he is. A once in a generation player that no player can stop. Milan Lucic is a spartan of the nhl, destroying the peasants. Hail Lucic!
- GRIT68

pass on lucic.

don't need a deusche wrecking the hard work ethic of this team, and his antics. He can stay in his back alleys

And hes LW, lets get someone that is comfortable on the RW at least.

no backes, too old and we already have enough centres
lucic/kessel aren't worth it for their cap hit

no backes, too old and we already have enough centres
lucic/kessel aren't worth it for his cap hit
- FLAM3SFAN

Agreed. Try signing Frolik(big, RW, good 2nd line while Poirier shapes up), and not give up assets for a similar and older player. Give Frolik 4.25/yr for 3-4 yrs. trade the 15, a 2nd and Hiller to move to #9. Sign Bartkowski and Schlemko. Maybe try improving D during the season. This assumes we can re-sign Ramo.

Edit: this scenario would look good to get Werenski. Add a sweetner if SJ want it.