1) Johnny Gaudreau and Team North America opened up their World Cup schedule on Sunday night with a game against Team Finland.
North American picked up a 4-1 win while completely dominating play (they won the shot attempt battle 73-31 at 5 v 5) and Gaudreau was a big reason why.
With Gaudreau on the ice at full-strength the young guns out attempted Finland 22-10 (69CF%). Gaudreau also found the score sheet netting the eventual game-winning goal on a beautiful deflection.
Great hand-eye coordination by Gaudreau. pic.twitter.com/jMdV9CpTK9
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) September 19, 2016
Gaudreau has been spectacular in his first two NHL campaigns but I think he can still take it up a notch. The Flames will have to suck it up and pay Gaudreau what he deserves, which is more than anyone else on the team makes.
Getting him locked up for less than Mark Giordano ($6.75 million) doesn't appear to be an option for the Flames; nor should it be.
2) TSN's Bob McKenzie has been doing season preview videos for each of Canada's NHL teams. In the Flames' preview McKenzie mentioned that, while still tight for cash, the Flames would like to add another defenseman if possible and that there is still some interest in Kris Russell.
Our 7 🇨🇦 #NHL team training camp previews from @TSNBobMcKenzie - Calgary Flames: https://t.co/Vt9gX65v04 #TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/W46oq6d2cS
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) September 18, 2016
Barring a lot of salary going out the door (looking at you, Dennis Wideman) I don't see how Calgary could come close to affording Russell if his reported ask is true.
McKenzie expects Kris Russell to sign a 1 yr deal in the $4-5M range.
— Tyler (@akaRCN) September 19, 2016
The good news for Calgary is the Edmonton Oilers are still after a defenseman, have cap space and could very well be the eventual landing spot for Russell.
Oilers reached out to Kris Russell a couple of days ago. Expect the two sides to start talking numbers/term etc as early as tomorrow.
— Dustin Nielson (@nielsonTSN1260) September 19, 2016
Russell signing in Edmonton would be a good thing for opposing teams - like Calgary. Nobody questions Russell's willingness to sacrifice himself to try and help the team win but when he's on the ice he is consistently chasing play and that's why he has so many opportunities to block shots.
Blocking shots is like killing rats. Doing it is preferable to not, but if you’re doing it all the time it suggests you have bigger problems
— Kent Wilson (@Kent_Wilson) March 18, 2015
If Russell plays a depth role against soft competition he may be able to tread water but if he's playing meaningful minutes, which his expected price tag suggests will be the case, I think the Flames, Oilers or any other franchise would be better off without him.
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