Yeah, I'd rather not sign any UFA forwards unless it's short term top 6.

The back end is pretty barren when it comes to prospects though. Hopefully that gets addressed soon.
- golfingsince

Yeah it is. When Clendenning becomes your best defensive prospect, you know you have a problem. I know this is obvious, but this team needs to unearth a couple prospects with obvious top 4 potential in the next 2 seasons; otherwise, this retool is not going to be as smooth as it looks right now.

I do believe though that good defenceman can be found in free agency. The risk is that you have to go all in to land them. Mike Green would look good on our backend lawl.

Yeah it is. When Clendenning becomes your best defensive prospect, you know you have a problem. I know this is obvious, but this team needs to unearth a couple prospects with obvious top 4 potential in the next 2 seasons; otherwise, this retool is not going to be as smooth as it looks right now.

I do believe though that good defenceman can be found in free agency. The risk is that you have to go all in to land them. Mike Green would look good on our backend lawl.
- Gullzy

I think Benning is more likely to try and find a diamond in the rough, which is similar to MG. I want us to draft a top 2 defender, here's to hoping.

I think McCann has more potential offensively, just hope it pans out.
- golfingsince

Mac is a slightly more offensive Bergeron in my opinion

I don't want to be the debbie downer or anything but a lot have high hopes for a guy who hasn't put up the same kind of numbers in the NHL. The same was said about Markstrom how he was so amazing and NHL ready and should trade Lack. Everybody saw how ready Markstrom is.

A guy who can play so well and puts up such great numbers in the AHL and still can't find his way to the NHL. What is wrong with his game? Is he the next Alexander Semin? Does he not play in his own end? What is it that Sven hasn't had a real shot at the NHL with the skill set he possesses?
- manvanfan

http://flamesnation.ca/20...wrong-with-sven-baertschi

I think this article does a good job explaining where it went wrong with Sven and the Flames. Im extrapolating, but I believe he will resume the trajectory he was on before Burke took over the reigns in Calgary.

If he pans out, you cant help but to be excited for the future of this team.

Baertschi - Horvat - Virtanen
Shinkaruk - McCann - Kassian
Gaunce - Cassels - Jensen

I'm a realist, so I realize that the probability of all these guys fulfilling their potential is <50%. That being said, this looks WAYY better than it did 20-24 months ago.

Maybe not a Stanley Cup contender, but hopefully not a bottem dweller either.


- Gullzy

Healthy scratch last game. Don't see him as part of the future.

I think Benning is more likely to try and find a diamond in the rough, which is similar to MG. I want us to draft a top 2 defender, here's to hoping.
- golfingsince

Guys like Weber, Keith, Voynov, Josi, Subban, Seabrook, Letang, Yandle, T.J Brodie, and others were selected in the 2nd round or later, so it can be done. I think Benning has shown a willingness to trade picks early on because he's filling the void of 20-26 Y/O's in the organization. Once that void is filled, we are going to be drafting with all our picks until we are close to competing again. We will find our TOP 2 defenceman soon...hopefully.

Healthy scratch last game. Don't see him as part of the future.
- Marwood

Some guys take longer than others. A scratch might be exactly what he needs to kick his ass into overdrive. If by the end of next season he isnt producing, everyone will agree that he's a bust.

Any of you guys want to play ice 604 hockey this spring? Our team is looking for a defenceman.

Some guys take longer than others. A scratch might be exactly what he needs to kick his ass into overdrive. If by the end of next season he isnt producing, everyone will agree that he's a bust.
- Gullzy

He's been on the cusp for 3 or 4 years now, I'd suggest he is gone this summer.

http://flamesnation.ca/2015/3/3/when-did-the-flames-go-wrong-with-sven-baertschi

I think this article does a good job explaining where it went wrong with Sven and the Flames. Im extrapolating, but I believe he will resume the trajectory he was on before Burke took over the reigns in Calgary.
- Gullzy

Good read but at the same time, sounds like a stalker of his.

Oh and by the sounds of it, he really wasn't committed to the defensive side of the game and was taking bad penalties.

He's been on the cusp for 3 or 4 years now, I'd suggest he is gone this summer.
- Marwood

Some take longer but usually there is a progression to their game. I don't think Jensen has been progressing. Id hold on to him but send him to Europe for a season. Let him play a different kind of game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBU7R8Cj6PI


Instead of this guy, we picked Taylor Ellington with the 33rd pick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBU7R8Cj6PI


Instead of this guy, we picked Taylor Ellington with the 33rd pick.
- Gullzy

Boston sure doesn't like it when their players are checked...

They love to dish but can't take it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBU7R8Cj6PI


Instead of this guy, we picked Taylor Ellington with the 33rd pick.
- Gullzy

#^&$% me he had 13 points in 60 games his draft year

what the #%&$! did they expect

I think Benning is more likely to try and find a diamond in the rough, which is similar to MG. I want us to draft a top 2 defender, here's to hoping.
- golfingsince

Thats why we have our own Soviet Chara 2.0 coming!!!!

Some guys take longer than others. A scratch might be exactly what he needs to kick his ass into overdrive. If by the end of next season he isnt producing, everyone will agree that he's a bust.
- Gullzy

The guy has the talent and ability but seems like a headcase, he's either on fire or just useless for like 20+ games sometimes. I don't think that's going to change.

The guy has the talent and ability but seems like a headcase, he's either on fire or just useless for like 20+ games sometimes. I don't think that's going to change.
- Nucker101

I'm of the belief that talent can't be taught but the mental game can. If there is a mental hurdle there, it can be overcome. If we are willing to give Kassian the same rope, we should give it to Jensen as well.

Let's see what happens. Unfortunately only time will tell.

If Benning can get a 4th rounder at this draft for him, would you take it?

I'm of the belief that talent can't be taught but the mental game can. If there is a mental hurdle there, it can be overcome. If we are willing to give Kassian the same rope, we should give it to Jensen as well.

Let's see what happens. Unfortunately only time will tell.

If Benning can get a 4th rounder at this draft for him, would you take it?
- Gullzy

Not a 4th unless there's a CHL player with strong PPG numbers falling due to size/skating concerns.

I would probably take a mid/high 3rd though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBU7R8Cj6PI


Instead of this guy, we picked Taylor Ellington with the 33rd pick.
- Gullzy

At least we got the second best thing

The guy has the talent and ability but seems like a headcase, he's either on fire or just useless for like 20+ games sometimes. I don't think that's going to change.
- Nucker101

I still want to see him up with the big club to see what he can do with more skilled players. Some guys play better in the NHL than the AHL. Just a more structured game.

Disappearing isn't so bad as long as you aren't a liability. How many times have we seen guys on the present roster go through some of these stretches?

At least we got the second best thing


- pker2theend

- Nucker101

I still want to see him up with the big club to see what he can do with more skilled players. Some guys play better in the NHL than the AHL. Just a more structured game.

Disappearing isn't so bad as long as you aren't a liability. How many times have we seen guys on the present roster go through some of these stretches?
- hillbillydeluxe

I would say the same, even if you carry him as a 13th forward next season you'll get a chance to see if he is one of those players who play rises and lowers to the level he is at. Another year in the AHL likely wont show anything we havent see already

I would say the same, even if you carry him as a 13th forward next season you'll get a chance to see if he is one of those players who play rises and lowers to the level he is at. Another year in the AHL likely wont show anything we havent see already
- WhiteLie

Connauton comes to mind as a player in a similar situation, kind of plateaued in the AHL and then gets a chance in the NHL and is still coming along.

Little article on McCann

http://www.theprovince.co...keeps/10871579/story.html