Jagr is the better player?
- Saskabush

And Jerome has (old) history here that could take away from the current team and its goals.

No to Iggy at 39 but yes to Jagr at 45 .... what is the logic to this?
- DinoRondelly

I am younger than either of them should I play?

Jagr has been the better player in recent years

They could use Jagr for sure but if they didn't sign him and Tre isn't looking at Jagr then these are the lines I would honestly put together.

Geadruea Monahan Ferland
Tkachuk Backlund Frolik
Versteeg Bennett Foo
Jankowski Stajan Brouwer
Lazar Hamilton

Giordano Hamilton
Brodie Hamonic
Kulak Stone
Bartkowski

Smith
Lack

If you really take a look at the forwards you can honestly go with many combinations but in my opinion these lines are still pretty good even having the fourth line. Janko can be mentored at centre by Stajan and he's had pretty good percentages in faceoffs. I would rather have foo in the lineup if not Jagr simply because he is skilled and could compliment Bennett and Versteeg well. On defence the top 5 could be amongst the best defence in the league if healthy it gives calgary a real good look in all three zones and in net Smith won't have to be spectacular but he will have to be consistent. With the way he handles the puck it should give the team a boost in possession so if you look all around at this team it looks like a team ready to contend we will have to see come October once the season starts

No to Iggy at 39 but yes to Jagr at 45 .... what is the logic to this?
- DinoRondelly

.. look at the production and the underlying numbers you doofus

.. look at the production and the underlying numbers you doofus
- Squilliam-

Don't really want wither playyer but if i had to pick it'd be Iggy! slow as he is he's still effective and possibly be the best rw we have.

They could use Jagr for sure but if they didn't sign him and Tre isn't looking at Jagr then these are the lines I would honestly put together.

Geadruea Monahan Ferland
Tkachuk Backlund Frolik
Versteeg Bennett Foo
Jankowski Stajan Brouwer
Lazar Hamilton

Giordano Hamilton
Brodie Hamonic
Kulak Stone
Bartkowski

Smith
Lack

If you really take a look at the forwards you can honestly go with many combinations but in my opinion these lines are still pretty good even having the fourth line. Janko can be mentored at centre by Stajan and he's had pretty good percentages in faceoffs. I would rather have foo in the lineup if not Jagr simply because he is skilled and could compliment Bennett and Versteeg well. On defence the top 5 could be amongst the best defence in the league if healthy it gives calgary a real good look in all three zones and in net Smith won't have to be spectacular but he will have to be consistent. With the way he handles the puck it should give the team a boost in possession so if you look all around at this team it looks like a team ready to contend we will have to see come October once the season starts
- Flameswarrior92

I don't why you would pencil in Foo already. What exactly has he done? Id rather pencil in Lazar on that 3rd line and see if he makes a connection with Bennett. At least he's had NHL exposure and has an ability to be here already. Also, if you're going to pencil in Janko on the fourth line to mentor with Stajan, then why not move Stajan to wing and give Janko C and then Stajan can talk with Janko on the bench about areas to correct.
If we signed Jagr, then I would put him on a 3rd line to mentor Bennett and I would like to see Tkachuk on thier LW so both kids can learn from a master. I know people so t want to bream up 3M but it's about development and utilizing vets in the best way. Plus as an older player with slower foot speed he won't have to put in 15-20mins a game on the top line.

I don't why you would pencil in Foo already. What exactly has he done? Id rather pencil in Lazar on that 3rd line and see if he makes a connection with Bennett. At least he's had NHL exposure and has an ability to be here already. Also, if you're going to pencil in Janko on the fourth line to mentor with Stajan, then why not move Stajan to wing and give Janko C and then Stajan can talk with Janko on the bench about areas to correct.
If we signed Jagr, then I would put him on a 3rd line to mentor Bennett and I would like to see Tkachuk on thier LW so both kids can learn from a master. I know people so t want to bream up 3M but it's about development and utilizing vets in the best way. Plus as an older player with slower foot speed he won't have to put in 15-20mins a game on the top line.
- TandA4Flames

I agree with you. I think if Foo makes the team it's because some one crapped the bed. I think the Flames are pretty set on converting Lazar to RW as he's right handed.
And no way would I break up the 3M line at this point. Let Tkachuk continue to develop next to Backlund and Frolik.

.. look at the production and the underlying numbers you doofus
- Squilliam-

Iggy played in Colorado .. the worst team in the league last year doofus ... Everyone's stats on that team were way way down .. Keep the name calling for the school yard little guy

Jagr is to big of a risk factor and thats probably why he hasn't been signed I smell a PTO in his future

I agree with you. I think if Foo makes the team it's because some one crapped the bed. I think the Flames are pretty set on converting Lazar to RW as he's right handed.
And no way would I break up the 3M line at this point. Let Tkachuk continue to develop next to Backlund and Frolik.
- ScotsonFire

But why is that so important to people?

Frolik will be 30 next season. He's a good player but he might only be with us for another 2-3 years, who knows if we resign him.

Backlund is a UFA after this season. It looks like we are going to try and resign him, but who knows if he sticks around (I guarantee the guy is done with taking discounted contracts--he is going to get paid this time).

Doesn't it make much more sense to try and develop chemistry between players that we know will be with us for the foreseeable future? We did it with Money and Johnny and look how well that turned out.

Tkachuk and Bennett is such an obvious pairing. If Bennett can play disciplined hockey that could give us 2 absolutely lethal pairings and they'd both be under team control for a long time.

Tkachuk is a solid possession driver in his own right (it didn't seem to matter who his line-mates were, the ice tilted towards the opposition whenever Tkachuk was on the ice). He doesn't need to be sheltered by Backlund and Frolik, time to spread the wealth around.

Iggy played in Colorado .. the worst team in the league last year doofus ... Everyone's stats on that team were way way down .. Keep the name calling for the school yard little guy

Jagr is to big of a risk factor and thats probably why he hasn't been signed I smell a PTO in his future
- DinoRondelly

How is Jagr a bigger risk than Iggy? Jagr has never been the fastest guy on the ice. He has been successful because he is one of the smartest players to ever lace up the skates.

The guy is a beast in the gym and he played 82 (frank)in games last season (only 3 players on our team did that last year). Jagr changed his style as he aged and has found a way to still be useful on the ice. Time has caught up to Iggy, without his speed he is a shell of his former self.

Honestly, Iggy would be such a niche player for us that it wouldn't even be worth using up a roster spot on him IMO.
-He wouldn't look good on our top line
-He wouldn't do Bennett any favours on the 3rd line

His only real use would be on the PP and we have plenty of options to go with there already.

I don't care, but anyone suggesting the Janitor on the wing has lost a marble. He has been patiently developed to a 3C role for 5 yrs. Bennett has not. Regardless, if Bennett stays 3C, Janitor should be 4C no matter what happens to Stajan.

I don't care, but anyone suggesting the Janitor on the wing has lost a marble. He has been patiently developed to a 3C role for 5 yrs. Bennett has not. Regardless, if Bennett stays 3C, Janitor should be 4C no matter what happens to Stajan.
- FLflames34

Eventually? For sure. I'm not opposed to easing him into things though. I'd rather see him get regular minutes on the wing than get stuck playing 10 minutes a game on the 4th line.

Some guys are going to have to switch to wing this year. Most likely candidates are the rookies.

Hudler would be cheaper and a great help to Bennett

Hudler would be cheaper and a great help to Bennett
- Chucky

You're kidding right. I'm pretty sure Hudler is done. A couple bad seasons in a a row. ANd if he's not bringing Offence he's not bringing anything. Jagr is a great mentor. HE still has great stats and playing 3rd line minutes would allow him to maximize his stamina. I'd love to see him mentoring a line of Bennett and Tkachuk. He may have slowed down but he still has great strength and reach not to mention his play making ability. Imagine what this 2 kids could learn playing with him.

You're kidding right. I'm pretty sure Hudler is done. A couple bad seasons in a a row. ANd if he's not bringing Offence he's not bringing anything. Jagr is a great mentor. HE still has great stats and playing 3rd line minutes would allow him to maximize his stamina. I'd love to see him mentoring a line of Bennett and Tkachuk. He may have slowed down but he still has great strength and reach not to mention his play making ability. Imagine what this 2 kids could learn playing with him.
- TandA4Flames

People suggesting Brouwer play on the 4th line are nuts. You want energy guys who are above average defensively on your 4th line. Brouwer doesn't give you any of that. He needs to play with skilled players to succeed and he can be successful doing that as he's been somewhat successful in both Washington and St. Louis playing with skilled players. He's going to contribute nothing as a 4th liner. Do you want him creating space and planting himself in front of the net for Stajan?

They need to give him a shot playing his game with good players, and if that doesn't work, bite the bullet and bury him in Stockton. 4th line Brouwer is the worst of the Brouwer plans.

Hudler would be cheaper and a great help to Bennett
- Chucky

Can't hurt to extend him a PTO. He was really sick last year. Had a few weeks where he was getting his game back on track then he got injured (if I remember correctly).

Would be nice to get some legitimate depth on the RW. Huds has talent and knows so much about shut down hockey. Worth at least a try out in my opinion.

People suggesting Brouwer play on the 4th line are nuts. You want energy guys who are above average defensively on your 4th line. Brouwer doesn't give you any of that. He needs to play with skilled players to succeed and he can be successful doing that as he's been somewhat successful in both Washington and St. Louis playing with skilled players. He's going to contribute nothing as a 4th liner. Do you want him creating space and planting himself in front of the net for Stajan?

They need to give him a shot playing his game with good players, and if that doesn't work, bite the bullet and bury him in Stockton. 4th line Brouwer is the worst of the Brouwer plans.
- Hunkulese

Wasn't Troy Brouwer just considered to be a more offensively gifted version of Bouma? He made a living being a high energy guy who was willing to crash & bang to get to the dirty areas. If he can't play on the 4th line then what use is he?

He's not a sniper. It's not like he's Sven Baertschi and can't handle the physicality of the 4th line. If he comes into the season generating offence, then give him a chance with more skilled players.

Ferland was able to do it last year, why can't Brouwer? They don't "need" to give Brouwer anything. He can go out and (frank)ing earn it like everyone else

How is Jagr a bigger risk than Iggy? Jagr has never been the fastest guy on the ice. He has been successful because he is one of the smartest players to ever lace up the skates.

The guy is a beast in the gym and he played 82 (frank)in games last season (only 3 players on our team did that last year). Jagr changed his style as he aged and has found a way to still be useful on the ice. Time has caught up to Iggy, without his speed he is a shell of his former self.

Honestly, Iggy would be such a niche player for us that it wouldn't even be worth using up a roster spot on him IMO.
-He wouldn't look good on our top line
-He wouldn't do Bennett any favours on the 3rd line

His only real use would be on the PP and we have plenty of options to go with there already.
- Saskabush

Jagr is 45 years old and once he drops off which will be any day now he will be a huge train wreck out there. I think teams are going to want him to come to training camp and see what he still has left before they sign him.

I don't see a huge risk with Iggy for 1 year at 39, he had a horrible year in Colorado just like everyone else .. Super Matt Duchene had 41 points on that horrible team ... Iggy had 9 points (6g, 3A) in 19 games with the kings a team that is notorious for a lack of offense. He also seemed revitalized with a drive to win that might look good on Bennett's wing. He would also be great on the PP, and could move up the line up if needed.

If its between Jagr and Iggy I would take Iggy .... reality I don't think the flames are interested in either one.

Disclaimer: This is an opinion and is not factual at all, BT is not reading this or taking this into consideration so don't take any opinions expressed in this comment to heart.

Jagr is 45 years old and once he drops off which will be any day now he will be a huge train wreck out there. I think teams are going to want him to come to training camp and see what he still has left before they sign him.

I don't see a huge risk with Iggy for 1 year at 39, he had a horrible year in Colorado just like everyone else .. Super Matt Duchene had 41 points on that horrible team ... Iggy had 9 points (6g, 3A) in 19 games with the kings a team that is notorious for a lack of offense. He also seemed revitalized with a drive to win that might look good on Bennett's wing. He would also be great on the PP, and could move up the line up if needed.

If its between Jagr and Iggy I would take Iggy .... reality I don't think the flames are interested in either one.

Disclaimer: This is an opinion and is not factual at all, BT is not reading this or taking this into consideration so don't take any opinions expressed in this comment to heart.
- DinoRondelly

I'm not saying you don't have a point about Jagr's potential to drop off. But you completely contradict yourself when you say that Iginla is lower risk just because he is 39. I would say Iginla has a much higher probability of having that massive drop off you're worried about.

The Panthers were devastated by injuries last year and Jagr still performed. There is actually a fit for Jagr on our roster (he would look great playing with a pair of our young guys). I don't think Iginla would be able to play our system.


And speak for yourself, I have a direct line to BT!

The big problem I have with Iggy is how the Flames treated him the last few years he was here. Ken King came out several times and said we're not trading him, Brent Sutter tried to get Iggy to back check and Iggy publically said that's not his job. IMO, the Flames ownership made Iggy bigger than the team and that created a dysfunctional room. NFW do I want Iggy back.

It's good that a few people are recognizing Iggy wasn't backchecking that well. In retrospect: that Tanguay-Camalleri-Iggy line had it's flaws.

Nor were they easy to play.

It's good that a few people are recognizing Iggy wasn't backchecking that well. In retrospect: that Tanguay-Camalleri-Iggy line had it's flaws.

Nor were they easy to play.
- fry

Backchecking is one concern but so is the culture of the room. Iggy is a huge personality, especially in Calgary. Does Calgary's culture need that ? NFW ! Have a nice ceremony for him and retire his number but that's it.

Backchecking is one concern but so is the culture of the room. Iggy is a huge personality, especially in Calgary. Does Calgary's culture need that ? NFW ! Have a nice ceremony for him and retire his number but that's it.
- tincup

Agreed...we don't need a former Flame captain that might be "too big for the room" with so much history
This is Gio's team now...

Would definitely take a flyer on Jagr if he comes cheap

Backchecking is one concern but so is the culture of the room. Iggy is a huge personality, especially in Calgary. Does Calgary's culture need that ? NFW ! Have a nice ceremony for him and retire his number but that's it.
- tincup

Yep. I watched his first game back in Calgary. That was all the closure I needed, I've moved on.

Also, does Iggy even want to be back in Calgary? I thought one of the reasons he left was that he needed out of the city (caught having an affair is what I heard).