And he will want it to be his last. He might actually play defence!
- DuranDuran

Defense doesn't get you the big bucks! He'll be shooting from absolutely everywhere, even when there isn't a shot to be made (which is what he did 2 years ago when he put up those gaudy numbers)

Hopefully he puts up enough points by the TDL to dump him on a team like Dallas

We've talked about Hartnell quite a bit, but how many of you would be interested in bringing in Foligno if CLB was willing to eat say 1.5 mill per season? Columbus may as well go full rebuild and ditch guys like Foligno and Hartnell and build around Saad, Dubois and Jones.

That isn't a great contract, but 4 million over 5 years is pretty reasonable. He's a left wing which isn't the most ideal thing, but he does use his size well and adds to that element of grit that we've been missing from the top 6. He had a pretty good year with Johansen a few seasons ago so he could end up being very productive with Bennett or even on a line with Johnny and Money (if one of them could switch to RW).
- Saskabush

Yea, I don't think Foligno is what we need. Our young guys need a shot at getting a spot. As it stands, there should be at least 1 fwd spot for someone.

You must be. You cheer for the Oilers.
- TandA4Flames

No one can accuse me of being a band wagoner, that is for certain.

NO!!!!! Not Turek-itis. That condition leads to a contract with the Flames.
- InSutterWeTrust

I was more referring to the level of play prior to the contract... Geesh Treliving isn't Chia or Benning you know...

Regardless of what happens some pretty shrewd moves by BTL. Like someone said earlier he showed some nice patience and prowess, good to see.

Same with Gaudreau and Monahan. The longer it goes the happier I am. Those 2 superbowl party-stars need to know that Treliving still runs their show (even though they will get the last laugh with all their $$$$$ )

Yea, I don't think Foligno is what we need. Our young guys need a shot at getting a spot. As it stands, there should be at least 1 fwd spot for someone.
- TandA4Flames

Agree on Foligno. I think once they lock up Bennett next year you can start looking to trading away some pics to solidify the roster. Still a little early to be throwing cash around like drunken sailers.

Flames should be looking at teams who are in win now mode and try and snag some young talent i.e. Islanders (Ho Sang), Brett Richie (Dallas).

Agree on Foligno. I think once they lock up Bennett next year you can start looking to trading away some pics to solidify the roster. Still a little early to be throwing cash around like drunken sailers.

Flames should be looking at teams who are in win now mode and try and snag some young talent i.e. Islanders (Ho Sang), Brett Richie (Dallas).
- DuranDuran

(frank) that. Spend, spend, spend my southron neighbors.

(frank) that. Spend, spend, spend my southron neighbors.
- Wildschwein

How you feel about the Lucic deal? I will hate it for the first 3 years. After that i think it's amazing!

How you feel about the Lucic deal? I will hate it for the first 3 years. After that i think it's amazing!
- DuranDuran

And I'll probably love it for the first 3. After that well... Here's hoping.

Monahan said he'd be meeting up with Gaudreau tonight. Anyone think that maybe they were offered identical contracts (on the condition that they both sign, not just Monahan) and Monahan's seeing if Johnny is going to bite?

I'd be happy if they were both signed to 8 x 6.5-6.75. Johnny could probably get more, but he could make money other ways (he is trade marked afterall ). Also, I get the sense that both of these guys want to win in Calgary and they would even be willing to take a bit of a cut if it helps the team out (Monahan flat out said so in that interview).

And I'll probably love it for the first 3. After that well... Here's hoping.
- Wildschwein

'Berta is going truculent I see

We've talked about Hartnell quite a bit, but how many of you would be interested in bringing in Foligno if CLB was willing to eat say 1.5 mill per season? Columbus may as well go full rebuild and ditch guys like Foligno and Hartnell and build around Saad, Dubois and Jones.

That isn't a great contract, but 4 million over 5 years is pretty reasonable. He's a left wing which isn't the most ideal thing, but he does use his size well and adds to that element of grit that we've been missing from the top 6. He had a pretty good year with Johansen a few seasons ago so he could end up being very productive with Bennett or even on a line with Johnny and Money (if one of them could switch to RW).
- Saskabush

I'd much rather bring in Hartnell over Foligno. I like Foligno as a player and would slot in well on the second line, but you just don't see teams eating salary over that much time.

Either one would be great for a season or 2 until Tkatchuk is ready to have a major impact on a line with Bennett, but you will have 11+ million tied up on 2 LW and if you think our right side is weak now, wait till Tkatchuks entry level expires.

I don't even know if a cheap enough deal exists to take his 27.5 million remaining. Sending contracts like Wideman/Bouma/Stajan wouldn't even do it for me.

If he was a natural RW tho, I think its a different story. There could be something there.

Yea, I don't think Foligno is what we need. Our young guys need a shot at getting a spot. As it stands, there should be at least 1 fwd spot for someone.
- TandA4Flames

I count 2 forward spots in the top 6 going forward (counting Tkachuk in there so probably 3 this year).

It'd be nice if we could fill those spots from within but nobody in the system has shown that they have what it takes to become legitimate top 6 players yet. I'd like for us to bring in at least 1 bonafide top 6 winger (ideally someone like JVR or Wayne Simmonds). We'd need to shed some salary of course, the money were using on Wideman, Smid and Engs would be much better served on help in our top 6.

Johnny Money ?
*Tkachuk Bennett ?
Frolik Backlund Brouwer
Bouma/Ferland Stajan Vey/Chiasson

Unknowns: Prybl, Shinkaruk, Poirier, Janitor

I like our bottom six, but if we have to rely upon Frolik and Brouwer to play top 6 minutes (therefore bumping up minutes for guys like Bouma/Chiasson/Vey/Ferland) we will be in trouble.

Edit: If Columbus was willing to retain AND take Wideman off our hands I'd pull the trigger in a heartbeat

I'd much rather bring in Hartnell over Foligno. I like Foligno as a player and would slot in well on the second line, but you just don't see teams eating salary over that much time.

Either one would be great for a season or 2 until Tkatchuk is ready to have a major impact on a line with Bennett, but you will have 11+ million tied up on 2 LW and if you think our right side is weak now, wait till Tkatchuks entry level expires.

I don't even know if a cheap enough deal exists to take his 27.5 million remaining. Sending contracts like Wideman/Bouma/Stajan wouldn't even do it for me.

If he was a natural RW tho, I think its a different story. There could be something there.
- JallHockey

Leafs did it for Kessel, but then again thats the Leafs

I'm just wondering if Columbus is thinking about doing a complete teardown and would be willing to sell guys like Foligno at a discount to get away from the cap ceiling.

Foligno at 5.5 is too much, but Foligno at 4 is about right. He's only 28 so it's not like he doesn't have any productive years left in him.

For the record, I'm not advocating for acquiring Foligno Just spit-balling for conversations sake. I'd much rather grab JVR out of Toronto if the price was right. Also agree on the RW thing, if he was a natural RWer then I'd be much more interested in him.

I count 2 forward spots in the top 6 going forward (counting Tkachuk in there so probably 3 this year).

It'd be nice if we could fill those spots from within but nobody in the system has shown that they have what it takes to become legitimate top 6 players yet. I'd like for us to bring in at least 1 bonafide top 6 winger (ideally someone like JVR or Wayne Simmonds). We'd need to shed some salary of course, the money were using on Wideman, Smid and Engs would be much better served on help in our top 6.

Johnny Money ?
*Tkachuk Bennett ?
Frolik Backlund Brouwer
Bouma/Ferland Stajan Vey/Chiasson

Unknowns: Prybl, Shinkaruk, Poirier, Janitor

I like our bottom six, but if we have to rely upon Frolik and Brouwer to play top 6 minutes (therefore bumping up minutes for guys like Bouma/Chiasson/Vey/Ferland) we will be in trouble.
- Saskabush

I think a guy like Hudler whom played on a great team for years was able to help JG and SM with dealing with the day to day life of the NHL. I would like a vet to be brought in that can teach Tkachuk and SB. I think that is Brouwer.

I think Ferland is a goner if the only room you have for the guy is 4th line. I think he will slot in for the time being on the 3rd.

I think a guy like Hudler whom played on a great team for years was able to help JG and SM with dealing with the day to day life of the NHL. I would like a vet to be brought in that can teach Tkachuk and SB. I think that is Brouwer.

I think Ferland is a goner if the only room you have for the guy is 4th line. I think he will slot in for the time being on the 3rd.
- DuranDuran

The kid shows flashes of offensive talent, but I honestly think the more minutes he gets in a game the less effective he is (kinda like Tie Domi). I'm good with him being a 3rd/4th liner for us, it's guys like Ferland that really shine in the playoffs (hell, even Bollig has some value in the playoffs).

The kid was a 5th rounder afterall, him being a regular bottom 6 contributor is not the worst ROI we could ask for

The kid shows flashes of offensive talent, but I honestly think the more minutes he gets in a game the less effective he is (kinda like Tie Domi). I'm good with him being a 3rd/4th liner for us, it's guys like Ferland that really shine in the playoffs (hell, even Bollig has some value in the playoffs).

The kid was a 5th rounder afterall, him being a regular bottom 6 contributor is not the worst ROI we could ask for
- Saskabush

I agree with you. Ferland should be crash and bang and energy.

But I think Ferland believes he is more than a 4th line bruiser. He has been signing short term "show me contracts" and I think both sides are hoping he can take his game to the next level.

I think Ferland walks or gets traded if he is on 4th line duties for the majority of the year.

I agree with you. Ferland should be crash and bang and energy.

But I think Ferland believes he is more than a 4th line bruiser. He has been signing short term "show me contracts" and I think both sides are hoping he can take his game to the next level.

I think Ferland walks or gets traded if he is on 4th line duties for the majority of the year.
- DuranDuran

He's an RFA next year, we own his ass!

Leafs did it for Kessel, but then again thats the Leafs

I'm just wondering if Columbus is thinking about doing a complete teardown and would be willing to sell guys like Foligno at a discount to get away from the cap ceiling.

Foligno at 5.5 is too much, but Foligno at 4 is about right. He's only 28 so it's not like he doesn't have any productive years left in him.

For the record, I'm not advocating for acquiring Foligno Just spit-balling for conversations sake. I'd much rather grab JVR out of Toronto if the price was right. Also agree on the RW thing, if he was a natural RWer then I'd be much more interested in him.
- Saskabush

Ya I hear ya. Other guys that could be in the same boat but naturally play RW are Dustin Brown, Bobby Ryan or Ryan Callahan. Ryan's contract is absolute insanity but could be a really cheap add. Ottawa is always penny pinching and he would fill a huge need on the right side of out top 6. However I don't think there is a deal to be made with his contract/history with Burke.

However for conversation sake, a deal might look like Wideman, Bouma, the option to swap 1st rounders in Calgary's favour for Foligno with 500K retained annually.

Yea, I don't think Foligno is what we need. Our young guys need a shot at getting a spot. As it stands, there should be at least 1 fwd spot for someone.
- TandA4Flames

1. That's Bruce Garrioche reporting that rumour
2. Foligno is their Captain and has a full NMC. He has full control and ultimately can decide if he stays or goes

I count 2 forward spots in the top 6 going forward (counting Tkachuk in there so probably 3 this year).

It'd be nice if we could fill those spots from within but nobody in the system has shown that they have what it takes to become legitimate top 6 players yet. I'd like for us to bring in at least 1 bonafide top 6 winger (ideally someone like JVR or Wayne Simmonds). We'd need to shed some salary of course, the money were using on Wideman, Smid and Engs would be much better served on help in our top 6.

Johnny Money ?
*Tkachuk Bennett ?
Frolik Backlund Brouwer
Bouma/Ferland Stajan Vey/Chiasson

Unknowns: Prybl, Shinkaruk, Poirier, Janitor

I like our bottom six, but if we have to rely upon Frolik and Brouwer to play top 6 minutes (therefore bumping up minutes for guys like Bouma/Chiasson/Vey/Ferland) we will be in trouble.

Edit: If Columbus was willing to retain AND take Wideman off our hands I'd pull the trigger in a heartbeat
- Saskabush

Sorry bro, but Brouwer is going to be a top 6 RW for at least the next 2 years before someone bumps him down to the 3rd line. That's a lot of cap spent on the 3rd line, probably should be the 2nd line if you want to allocate that much $$$/assets to it.
I will bet Vey starts in the AHL. Prybil won't see the NHL until Dec/Jan due to his injury & needing AHL time..Ferland will be 3rd line.

1. That's Bruce Garrioche reporting that rumour
2. Foligno is their Captain and has a full NMC. He has full control and ultimately can decide if he stays or goes
- fry

We have no money to fit him in.

I think a guy like Hudler whom played on a great team for years was able to help JG and SM with dealing with the day to day life of the NHL. I would like a vet to be brought in that can teach Tkachuk and SB. I think that is Brouwer.

I think Ferland is a goner if the only room you have for the guy is 4th line. I think he will slot in for the time being on the 3rd.
- DuranDuran

Ferland and bouma need to get mean and step it up this year I think.

With Lucic in edmonton now, they are going to have their shot to play physical and show what they can do a bit more. I don't mean fighting and getting penalties. But they need to keep the other teams hearing footsteps out there

I agree with you on Brouwer. I think he'll be a better 2nd liner then frolik was.

Still would like one more true RW in the top 6. But Thats going to have to be a trade, and not going to happen until JG/money are tied up and Wideman is moved.

So comes down to....Is that top 6 RW better then a solid D. With Elliot as our goalie, I think we are better rolling with our D corps being stronger. Thats what he's used to. Not saying wides is a D master. But with DH, Gio, Brodie eating up majority of the minutes he's a solid player to play whats left with the rest of the D.

1. That's Bruce Garrioche reporting that rumour
2. Foligno is their Captain and has a full NMC. He has full control and ultimately can decide if he stays or goes
- fry

There was a rumour?

I was just pulling stuff out of my ass

There was a rumour?

I was just pulling stuff out of my ass
- Saskabush

Saskabush is officially a source for trade rumours. EK is gonna be so pissed you have already broke more rumours than him!