No thanks on Fehr. He's injury prone, does not use his size at all, and only seems to have marginal success in Washington where he can pass the puck to Ovechkin. He tried elsewhere in Winnipeg, which was his home town team, and pretty much failed there. He's better if he can play center, but he wouldn't crack this line up at center. He may prove as a place holder until Poirier was ready for that spot, but there already guys under contract that can fill that spot for now.

I'm more in favor of:

Gaudreau - Monahan - Hudler
Belesky - Bennett - Poirier (or Jones until Poirier is ready)
Bouma - Backlund - Colborne
Ferland - Jooris - Bollig (maybe Ganlund at center and Jooris to wing)

Then there is also Klimchuk down the line and whomever they draft this year.
- dal_johnson

I'd look at bringing in Justin Williams to fill that Poirier spot and let Emile battle it out with Colby for the 3rd line wing spot.

I'd look at bringing in Justin Williams to fill that Poirier spot and let Emile battle it out with Colby for the 3rd line wing spot.
- jtommyt

Hell no! That would go against everything BT has said. I think Williams will slide down the other side of the mountain very quickly.

I'd look at bringing in Justin Williams to fill that Poirier spot and let Emile battle it out with Colby for the 3rd line wing spot.
- jtommyt

No way. Williams is too old and not physical enough for what the Flames are looking for and need at this point in the building.

But we were also able to grab Seiloff in that deal, so if he makes it and Janko turns into even a regular 3rd liner that trade is a win for me. Hopefully Seiloff takes a step forward this year. That staff infection really hurt his development
- Saskabush

I was never overly upset about the pick. I was actually hoping Feaster would find a way to pick him up in the 2nd rnd. But, in hindsight, I wish we he would have picked my original hope for that draft; Cody Ceci. Ceci would have now been a regular in our top 6 with a chance to become a top pairing guy in a few years. I guess we could not have known we would have 2 great centres in Monahan and Bennett fall into our laps, but Janko has now become superfluous and, really, unneccessary.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure Sieloff will ever get back on track.

I wouldn't read too much into Seiloff playing forward (never did hear this though). Ramage was demoted to the ECHL last season and he was beggining to make a push to overtake Wotherspoon on the depth chart this year (judging by BTL comments at a presser).

Seiloff was one of the youngest players on Addy last year (the youngest defenseman BTW) and he missed a full year. I still have hopes for him to turn in to something, and wouldn't be surprised if he makes a case for himself at training camp next year.
- Saskabush

Ramage improved but I don't think there was ever a chance he was going to surpass Wotherspoon on the depth chart. He just happened to be one of our only real D prospects that shoots right. Culkin is the guy to keep an eye on. He was pushing Wotherspoon and has a much bigger offensive upside. And I think Kulak will have a strong year as well.

I dont mind your Stafford suggestion.

I'd look at a guy like Eric Fehr maybe, he has some size and skill. Could maybe breakout a bit if given the chance.

Matt Belesky. Just the type of guy we need on the third line. He could possibly even play on a line with Bennett.

Curtis Glencross. Lol Jk.
- The-O-G

No offence boys, but none of these suggestions interest me. If we can't find a legit top 6 RW, I wouldn't even bother signing a UFA. I don't see Stafford or Fehr being any better than what we already have and giving a bit of wiggle room for young guys to crack the roster is beneficial, IMO. Belesky, perhaps. I'd still try to go the trade route and use our significant amount of cap space and an owner willing to spend it. Take on Richards if Toffoli comes with him. Take on Lecavalier if Sanheim comes with him. How about grabbing something from BOS if Joe Morrow comes along. What about trying to move Granlund +, who may also be coming redundant, to NJ for Gelinas or one of their other young D? Or same move to ARZ for Gormley etc. lots of options, and I don't think offer sheets or FA signings are the best or certainly not the only way to go.

No way. Williams is too old and not physical enough for what the Flames are looking for and need at this point in the building.
- dal_johnson

Agreed, although he does have very strong and consistent possession stats.

Back the truck up.....(frank) it.

We should just get Toffoli:

GAUDREAU MONAHAN HUDLER
TOFFOLI BENNETT COLBORNE
BOUMA BACKLUND JONES
FERLAND GRANLUND BOLIG(POIRIER)
- The-O-G

Fixed

When Poirier is ready you can play him with Bennett and Toffoli, with Toffoli on RW. That's when Jones can be moved and Colborne drop to play with Backlund and Bouma.

Fixed

When Poirier is ready you can play him with Bennett and Toffoli, with Toffoli on RW. That's when Jones can be moved and Colborne drop to play with Backlund and Bouma.
- InSutterWeTrust

We'd probably be giving up Colborne in such a deal though, I would imagine. Or Jooris.

No offence boys, but none of these suggestions interest me. If we can't find a legit top 6 RW, I wouldn't even bother signing a UFA. I don't see Stafford or Fehr being any better than what we already have and giving a bit of wiggle room for young guys to crack the roster is beneficial, IMO. Belesky, perhaps. I'd still try to go the trade route and use our significant amount of cap space and an owner willing to spend it. Take on Richards if Toffoli comes with him. Take on Lecavalier if Sanheim comes with him. How about grabbing something from BOS if Joe Morrow comes along. What about trying to move Granlund +, who may also be coming redundant, to NJ for Gelinas or one of their other young D? Or same move to ARZ for Gormley etc. lots of options, and I don't think offer sheets or FA signings are the best or certainly not the only way to go.
- TandA4Flames

Let's not forget as well that Belesky was being benched towards the end of the season... He is not a surefire every night player - he is going to get PAID because of his playoffs, but that might not be wise money to spend

No way. Williams is too old and not physical enough for what the Flames are looking for and need at this point in the building.
- dal_johnson

Could you not say the exact same thing about Huds? Williams does everything that Jiri does, plus he has a strong possession game. I'd bring him in specifically to have some veteran presence beside Bennett. Huds was perfect complement for Johnny and Monahan this year... Bennett needs that for next year and Williams fits the bill to a T.

I'm not suggesting a 5 year deal or anything, but 2 years, 5.5 per might be enough to get him here.

What does everyone think of our picks in this year's entry draft? Who do we take at 15 and why? Can anyone touch on our 2nd round selections?

I ask because if I had to pick I would be clueless. Beyond the top 5 there is supposed to be a bevy of talent, but, who are they?

Does anyone like Jansen Harkins?

Hell no! That would go against everything BT has said. I think Williams will slide down the other side of the mountain very quickly.
- whipper334

Especially if there's blow and ecstasy at the bottom of it.

What does everyone think of our picks in this year's entry draft? Who do we take at 15 and why? Can anyone touch on our 2nd round selections?

I ask because if I had to pick I would be clueless. Beyond the top 5 there is supposed to be a bevy of talent, but, who are they?
- jazzca1974

To me the Flames two main needs are on defence and for top 6 forwards with size, a true power forward that can put the puck in the net.

With defensemen there seems to be three main prospects in Noah Hanifin, Zack Werenski and Ivan Provorov. However I really don't see any of those guys dropping to 15th. After that I don't see any defensive players that would be much better than they can get in the 2nd round. Defensemen are different like that in how they develop. It very often happens that a 2nd round defenseman surpasses a 1st round one. The Flames current top 4 consist of a guy that was undrafted, a 3rd, a 4th, and an 8th round pick.

For power forward there is Lawson Crouse, Mikko Rantanen, Timo Meier, and to a bit lesser extend Paul Bittner. While there may be a desire for a right hand shot here, the Flames no longer have the log jam at Left Wing, so a player for either side works. I'm much more in favor of going after one of these guys and personally I am most interested in Crouse as he brings an added chemistry with Bennett as they played together in Kingston. He also seems to be the one that uses his physical edge more which is greatly needed by the Flames.

It's easy to say to try to move up in the draft, but I think that they should actively try to do so. They have 3 second round picks that can be added to their first (not all of them), and they do still have considerable cap space that could take on a bad contract (however they need to be cautious with that as contracts for current players will soon need to be extended). Maybe they can package in Hiller (and resign Ramo to play with Ortio) or I would even consider Wideman as this stock may be a little higher now. But if they can move up to grab one of those three defensemen (highly doubtful that teams will pass on them) or one of those power forwards that they like then they should go for it.

In the end the draft is the one upside to the 2nd round elimination. They have acknowledged that they are still rebuilding, and having the 15th pick as opposed to 27th at best can make huge steps in that regards.

Let's not forget as well that Belesky was being benched towards the end of the season... He is not a surefire every night player - he is going to get PAID because of his playoffs, but that might not be wise money to spend
- rmull905

Belesky is "that guy"... shines in a playoff round but nary heard of prior to. There's the potential of some moving and shaking in the 2nd+ rounds at the draft (IMO) and with teams trying to move or obtain impact players...

Still little chatter on addressing the D...

SO honestly, if you're BT are you trying to sign Ramo and try and move Hiller? It would suck to get nothing for him (where are the Av's when we need them?)

Belesky is "that guy"... shines in a playoff round but nary heard of prior to. There's the potential of some moving and shaking in the 2nd+ rounds at the draft (IMO) and with teams trying to move or obtain impact players...

Still little chatter on addressing the D...

SO honestly, if you're BT are you trying to sign Ramo and try and move Hiller? It would suck to get nothing for him (where are the Av's when we need them?)
- geta02it

There are several schools of thought when it comes to the offseason, but what I would like to see:

Trade Hiller and re-sign Ramo - to me this is ideal, but not likely and is why I thought we should have (if there was value) moved Ramo last season. Hiller's contract is reasonable, but is more than most teams would want to pay a backup, so you have to find someone that looks at him in a 1/1A situation - that could be tough to do.

Move Wideman, sign Franson - I think Franson comes in cheaper than Wideman and can play a more all around game, not to mention being younger

Mason Raymond experiment failed - park this guy in the minors if no one will take that contract

Address 5/6 D - Ok with Sclemko back there, but depening on how the Flames deploy Engelland next year, we need a better solution for 5/6

A little bit of skilled size - to me this means getting Ferland in everyday next year, and hopefully not in a "running around" role - play the power forward role

A big centre/faceoff expertise - if Money was hurting like we all think (not sure if confirmed as yet), maybe not as dire a need, but Anaheim's big centres killed us in that 2nd round. We are deep at centre, but not overly physical, and definitely not a faceoff-centric crew.

There are several schools of thought when it comes to the offseason, but what I would like to see:

Trade Hiller and re-sign Ramo - to me this is ideal, but not likely and is why I thought we should have (if there was value) moved Ramo last season. Hiller's contract is reasonable, but is more than most teams would want to pay a backup, so you have to find someone that looks at him in a 1/1A situation - that could be tough to do.

Move Wideman, sign Franson - I think Franson comes in cheaper than Wideman and can play a more all around game, not to mention being younger

Mason Raymond experiment failed - park this guy in the minors if no one will take that contract

Address 5/6 D - Ok with Sclemko back there, but depening on how the Flames deploy Engelland next year, we need a better solution for 5/6

A little bit of skilled size - to me this means getting Ferland in everyday next year, and hopefully not in a "running around" role - play the power forward role

A big centre/faceoff expertise - if Money was hurting like we all think (not sure if confirmed as yet), maybe not as dire a need, but Anaheim's big centres killed us in that 2nd round. We are deep at centre, but not overly physical, and definitely not a faceoff-centric crew.
- rmull905

IMHO,

Raymond and Byron are Redundant. To a point so are Jooris and Shore. I think we have yet to see what Shore can do, but I like what Jooris has done this year.

As far as goal tending goes, In the case that we can't sign Ramo/trade Hiller, I have no issues keeping Hiller. He has seen a lot more NHL shots than Ramo and he might be a good mentor for the younger guys.

But what about trying to package a Hiller and Byron (both with some salary retained) as well as a decent prospect like Granlund (or shore) and a 2nd for a decent young D? You have a guy that is a perfect 1b, a speedy energy guy, a decent prospect and a pick. To a team that is strapped for cash that might be appealing.....

Raymond seemed close to potting a couple in that last series....if he had maybe we would be talking differently. IDK. I think we are stuck with him.

IMHO,

Raymond and Byron are Redundant. To a point so are Jooris and Shore. I think we have yet to see what Shore can do, but I like what Jooris has done this year.

As far as goal tending goes, In the case that we can't sign Ramo/trade Hiller, I have no issues keeping Hiller. He has seen a lot more NHL shots than Ramo and he might be a good mentor for the younger guys.

But what about trying to package a Hiller and Byron (both with some salary retained) as well as a decent prospect like Granlund (or shore) and a 2nd for a decent young D? You have a guy that is a perfect 1b, a speedy energy guy, a decent prospect and a pick. To a team that is strapped for cash that might be appealing.....

Raymond seemed close to potting a couple in that last series....if he had maybe we would be talking differently. IDK. I think we are stuck with him.
- Mr.Pink

Byron's a pending RFA fourth liner... and Hiller's at best a tandem starter. There isn't really any trade value to either of them.

Byron's a pending RFA fourth liner... and Hiller's at best a tandem starter. There isn't really any trade value to either of them.
- jtommyt

"one man's garbage is another man's treasure"

There are several schools of thought when it comes to the offseason, but what I would like to see:

Trade Hiller and re-sign Ramo - to me this is ideal, but not likely and is why I thought we should have (if there was value) moved Ramo last season. Hiller's contract is reasonable, but is more than most teams would want to pay a backup, so you have to find someone that looks at him in a 1/1A situation - that could be tough to do.

Move Wideman, sign Franson - I think Franson comes in cheaper than Wideman and can play a more all around game, not to mention being younger

Mason Raymond experiment failed - park this guy in the minors if no one will take that contract

Address 5/6 D - Ok with Sclemko back there, but depening on how the Flames deploy Engelland next year, we need a better solution for 5/6

A little bit of skilled size - to me this means getting Ferland in everyday next year, and hopefully not in a "running around" role - play the power forward role

A big centre/faceoff expertise - if Money was hurting like we all think (not sure if confirmed as yet), maybe not as dire a need, but Anaheim's big centres killed us in that 2nd round. We are deep at centre, but not overly physical, and definitely not a faceoff-centric crew.
- rmull905

I agree with your Ramo/Hiller thoughts but not the D. If you're concerned with the 5 /6 pairing, then why move Wideman? If we add Franson than ohr D depth is WAY better than this year. Its not like we cant afford Wideman and Franson (2nd more years of Wideman). But if we can move Wides for a good return, including a good young D, then sure.

As for hour thoughts on the C, they will get bigger, stronger and grittier with a few more years. No need to address that area.

IMHO,

Raymond and Byron are Redundant. To a point so are Jooris and Shore. I think we have yet to see what Shore can do, but I like what Jooris has done this year.

As far as goal tending goes, In the case that we can't sign Ramo/trade Hiller, I have no issues keeping Hiller. He has seen a lot more NHL shots than Ramo and he might be a good mentor for the younger guys.

But what about trying to package a Hiller and Byron (both with some salary retained) as well as a decent prospect like Granlund (or shore) and a 2nd for a decent young D? You have a guy that is a perfect 1b, a speedy energy guy, a decent prospect and a pick. To a team that is strapped for cash that might be appealing.....

Raymond seemed close to potting a couple in that last series....if he had maybe we would be talking differently. IDK. I think we are stuck with him.
- Mr.Pink

Nope, I've been saying that he's garbage even when he was managing to put up a few points!

I was hoping for him to get scratched and I had him in my draft (that's what you get when a leaf fan picks for you ) I'd honestly be happy with a 7th rounder, hell they can even make it an 8th!

I agree with your Ramo/Hiller thoughts but not the D. If you're concerned with the 5 /6 pairing, then why move Wideman? If we add Franson than ohr D depth is WAY better than this year. Its not like we cant afford Wideman and Franson (2nd more years of Wideman). But if we can move Wides for a good return, including a good young D, then sure.
- TandA4Flames

I really hope we can trade Hiller and sign Ramo, my guts telling me that that is not going to happen though . I really don't think we need to make much moves, if a deal comes along naturally or a signing makes sense then fine, otherwise just stay the course. Add some players to the pipeline with this years draft, and let guys like Poirier, Wolf, Ferland etc. battle it out for spots on the team.

If we trade Wideman we HAVE to get a good roster dman in return, our d is way to weak after our top 4 to lose his minutes. I've heard Merrill could be on the outs in NJ and they need some youth in their forward ranks, maybe a deal could be worked out there?

We'd probably be giving up Colborne in such a deal though, I would imagine. Or Jooris.
- TandA4Flames

LA won't trade Toffoli. Calgary should give him a RFA offer sheet. Not giving up players, just a second round pick next year if the contract is less than $3.4M. If they really want to ensure LA can't match they should offer him a $4.25M per year contract, but that would cost a first and third in next year's draft. Personally, I think he's worth They should offer him something in the range of $25M for 6years, or $20M for 5. Somewhere in that range would probably be out of the Kings ability to sign him with their cap situation, and with Kopitar up for renewal next year, and expecting a raise.