Note: I was away on a camping trip for my 21st birthday so I didn't have any new posts up over the last few days. I'm back now and will be writing on my normal schedule. Flames GM Brad Treliving has said that he would like to get captain Mark Giordano signed to a long-term extension prior to the season.
There is still plenty of time to get something done but we're a couple months into the off-season and there has been no indication that anything is remotely close.
Some thoughts on what a new deal could look like and other Flames notes:
- Mark Giordano wants to be one of the highest paid players in the NHL and that's been well documented. As recent as a month ago it was reported that Giordano was looking for an eight-year deal worth close to $9 million a season.
While I have no problem with giving Giordano big money - he has proven to be an elite player and has less NHL milage than most 31-year-olds - I can't wrap my head around an eight-year deal.
Depending on when opening night is scheduled for the 2016-17 season Giordano could very well be 33 years old. I don't think there's a player in the NHL I'd want beginning an eight-year deal at 33.
Again, Giordano is probably worth the money in the short-term but I have a very hard time believing he'll be worth $9 million in his late 30's regardless of how well he takes care of himself. Age gets the better of everyone eventually.
- I simply can't see Treliving caving in and giving Giordano what he wants. For the most part Treliving is very smart with money and he usually comes out on the better end of negotiations he's involved in. There is a glaring red flag here (age) that I don't see Treliving getting by.
Treliving loves Giordano but I can't see him going beyond five or six years. My guess is that Giordano signs a five or six-year deal worth $8.5-9 million per season when all is said and done.
- Flames prospect Mason McDonald started for Team Canada against Russia in a summer World Junior showcase game on Monday night.
After allowing a weak goal very early in the game McDonald steadied himself and went on to stop 16-of-17 in the 4-1 victory.
Team Canada takes on Czech Republic tonight (on TSN for Canadian viewers) but it's probably safe to assume Devils prospect Mackenzie Blackwood will get the nod in goal.