Even though he's a LW and shoots Left, I'd still be ecstatic if the Flames could find a way to draft Lawson Crouse - 6'4" 212 Lbs(at 17 years old)
Also plays pretty damn good beside Sam Bennett.

"A big-bodied power winger with the ability to physically dominate, making him a prominent forechecking presence every night. Possesses good hands that can be used to make crisp passes or to let loose accurate, NHL-level shots; paired with his strength and skating ability, his skill set allows him to contribute offensively, as well as create space for teammates."
-Curtis Joe, EP 2014

http://www.eliteprospects...5155#sthash.7MufIlhZ.dpuf
- InSutterWeTrust

Meier is listed C/RW on multiple sites, is what Jones should be, and what hand they shoot with matters not. He is my pick if he is still there at 15. Hell, I would package a 3rd to move up a few spots and get him. If I was the GM

Even though he's a LW and shoots Left, I'd still be ecstatic if the Flames could find a way to draft Lawson Crouse - 6'4" 212 Lbs(at 17 years old)
Also plays pretty damn good beside Sam Bennett.

"A big-bodied power winger with the ability to physically dominate, making him a prominent forechecking presence every night. Possesses good hands that can be used to make crisp passes or to let loose accurate, NHL-level shots; paired with his strength and skating ability, his skill set allows him to contribute offensively, as well as create space for teammates."
-Curtis Joe, EP 2014

http://www.eliteprospects...5155#sthash.7MufIlhZ.dpuf
- InSutterWeTrust

I am very much in favor of this idea. I think that this would be the best draft situation for the Flames. Add a second. Add a player, or even prospect like Granlund. Crouse would be a perfect fit on this team and he has proven and extablished chemistry with Bennett. When Bennett went back to Junior those two started to tear it up.

And while I agree that they need more right handed shots, the fact that he plays LW isn't an issue any more. When Baertschi and Glencross were here the ideas of top two lines left wing was in a log jam. But that is no longer the case. If you project Poirier to be a top 6 forward (and I do), and he can play either side, then there is still 1 winger spot open (Hudler, Gaudreau, and Poirier). It needs to be somebody with size.

Meier is listed C/RW on multiple sites, is what Jones should be, and what hand they shoot with matters not. He is my pick if he is still there at 15. Hell, I would package a 3rd to move up a few spots and get him. If I was the GM
- FLflames34

It will take one of the three seconds to move up. A third probably won't cut it.

I like the option of Meier. My only concern there is that there are a number of scouting reports that question if his numbers are a product of him, or if he benefitted extensively from playing on a line with Ehlers.

Ultimately for me I would like to see them push hard to move up to get either Crouse or Werenski (right hand shot defenseman). Add a second to their first. Maybe add a player (Hiller or I would even consider Wideman) or a prospect (Granlund). Take on a bad contract to utilize their cap space. Or a combination of those.

I am very much in favor of this idea. I think that this would be the best draft situation for the Flames. Add a second. Add a player, or even prospect like Granlund. Crouse would be a perfect fit on this team and he has proven and extablished chemistry with Bennett. When Bennett went back to Junior those two started to tear it up.

And while I agree that they need more right handed shots, the fact that he plays LW isn't an issue any more. When Baertschi and Glencross were here the ideas of top two lines left wing was in a log jam. But that is no longer the case. If you project Poirier to be a top 6 forward (and I do), and he can play either side, then there is still 1 winger spot open (Hudler, Gaudreau, and Poirier). It needs to be somebody with size.
- dal_johnson

Additionally, I think Ferland is capable of shifting to the RW. I don't project him to be a full-time 2nd line guy, but since this team is REBUILDING, there's nothing wrong with upgrading the RW in season, or even next summer. Besides, maybe(maybe) Joe Colborne realized during the playoffs, that he has to utilize that size and reach to be more successful. He'll need to show consistency, but he has the potential and this year should be telling as to whether he fits here long term.

I think the Flames are definitely positioned well, with the necessary assets to find a partner to trade up in the first round. The extra 2nd rounders from the Baertschi and Glencross deals certainly give them options.

Additionally, I think Ferland is capable of shifting to the RW. I don't project him to be a full-time 2nd line guy, but since this team is REBUILDING, there's nothing wrong with upgrading the RW in season, or even next summer. Besides, maybe(maybe) Joe Colborne realized during the playoffs, that he has to utilize that size and reach to be more successful. He'll need to show consistency, but he has the potential and this year should be telling as to whether he fits here long term.

I think the Flames are definitely positioned well, with the necessary assets to find a partner to trade up in the first round. The extra 2nd rounders from the Baertschi and Glencross deals certainly give them options.
- InSutterWeTrust

Unfortunately, I just don't have much faith that Colborne will ever be a consistently effective top 6 player.

Would you guys have interest in moving down if, say ARZ offered CHI 1st and Gormley for #15?

Unfortunately, I just don't have much faith that Colborne will ever be a consistently effective top 6 player.
- jtommyt

Top 6? No. Top 9? Yes. I see him fitting on a line with Backlund and Bouma (or someone of Bouma's ilk). He was one of our better forwards towards the end of the regular season and showed very nicely in the playoffs. He added significant muscle last off season and was beginning to see how that was paying off for him. If he can continue to build strength and improve his board play then I think he could be a valuable long term fixture for this team.

Would you guys have interest in moving down if, say ARZ offered CHI 1st and Gormley for #15?
- TandA4Flames

Possibly, but would they be interested in that at all? If Gormley has as much potential as we seem to think he has on this board, then why would a rebuilding team want to trade him at all?

Possibly, but would they be interested in that at all? If Gormley has as much potential as we seem to think he has on this board, then why would a rebuilding team want to trade him at all?
- Saskabush

Because they are loaded with young D and D prospects. They may look to move up if they see a high end fwd they like. Just spit balling. I would certainly do it if im CGY, but i know how some people on these boards frown on trading down.

Would you guys have interest in moving down if, say ARZ offered CHI 1st and Gormley for #15?
- TandA4Flames

It's an option, but it is too hard to look at moving down. Moving down for the Flames has to be decided at the time. There are too many variables in play like can they move up, and just who all is available when #15 comes along.

Try more to move up. Look to teams that are more in the area of adding more youth may not be the top priority as opposed to something more established to propel them Forward. Do teams like Colorado or Florida still really need to continue to build through the draft, and wait on those players to develop for them to take the next step for their team?

Just spitballing, but I would try to package Wideman with the Flames 1st (part of a deal may take more) and move up. Say what you will about Wideman in the past, his last half of the season and playoffs, really raised his stock. A veteran D-Man like that would be helpful to Colorado, especially in sparking the offence up to their great young forwards. Wideman and #10 to move up to #10 (with tweaking from either side or retaining salary)?

For me the top targets are Zack Werenski, Lawson Crouse, Mikko Rantannen, or Timo Meier (especially those first two). If they can move up to them then perfect. Should they all be gone by #15, then possibly consider moving down to take a run at Paul Bittner (another Power forward) with a lower pick.

what a great site

what a great site
- Bigern4MVP

Can say that again. Why would you not make getting a blogger for a Canadian team a priority eh???

It's an option, but it is too hard to look at moving down. Moving down for the Flames has to be decided at the time. There are too many variables in play like can they move up, and just who all is available when #15 comes along.

Try more to move up. Look to teams that are more in the area of adding more youth may not be the top priority as opposed to something more established to propel them Forward. Do teams like Colorado or Florida still really need to continue to build through the draft, and wait on those players to develop for them to take the next step for their team?

Just spitballing, but I would try to package Wideman with the Flames 1st (part of a deal may take more) and move up. Say what you will about Wideman in the past, his last half of the season and playoffs, really raised his stock. A veteran D-Man like that would be helpful to Colorado, especially in sparking the offence up to their great young forwards. Wideman and #10 to move up to #10 (with tweaking from either side or retaining salary)?

For me the top targets are Zack Werenski, Lawson Crouse, Mikko Rantannen, or Timo Meier (especially those first two). If they can move up to them then perfect. Should they all be gone by #15, then possibly consider moving down to take a run at Paul Bittner (another Power forward) with a lower pick.
- dal_johnson

I think Wideman has a lot more value than others think. They guy stepped up, was in the top 10 scoring for defencemen, was playing top pairing & over 25 minutes a game to get us into the playoffs & during the playoffs. We are in the drivers seat with him. By the time we need cap space, his 2 more years will be done & we'll get a Glencross return in his final year at the TDL. I can see Buffalo taking a run at him. Would love to see a Pysyk & their 2nd rounder (32nd) for Wideman & Reinhart. Then we can take a run at Petry or I like the idea of offering our 53rd & Granlund to Minny for Spurgeon. Minny has some big signings to make including Duby. I would give them our 45th to get their 21st & take Backstrom off their hands if our own Goaltending situation wasn't so (frank)ed up already.

Can say that again. Why would you not make getting a blogger for a Canadian team a priority eh???
- Kevin R

We're not the Leafs or Habs

I think Wideman has a lot more value than others think. They guy stepped up, was in the top 10 scoring for defencemen, was playing top pairing & over 25 minutes a game to get us into the playoffs & during the playoffs. We are in the drivers seat with him. By the time we need cap space, his 2 more years will be done & we'll get a Glencross return in his final year at the TDL. I can see Buffalo taking a run at him. Would love to see a Pysyk & their 2nd rounder (32nd) for Wideman & Reinhart. Then we can take a run at Petry or I like the idea of offering our 53rd & Granlund to Minny for Spurgeon. Minny has some big signings to make including Duby. I would give them our 45th to get their 21st & take Backstrom off their hands if our own Goaltending situation wasn't so (frank)ed up already.
- Kevin R

I think Wideman's value is great right now. That where I think that he can be used to try and move up in the draft. Colorado needs improvement in defense. So if as part the basis of the deal you can send Wideman and 15th to them for 10th (there may need to be deal tweaking needed) it may be worth looking into. From there if they can get a key future piece in that draft spot then they come out in front. And again for me the two main targets are either Zack Werenski as a big right handed shot defenseman, or Lawson Crouse to be that scoring power forward for the top 6.

I'd try to replace Wideman with a guy like Cody Franson as a UFA (younger, bigger, and maybe less expensive). And while it may not be a big issue, it makes money available to resign Girodano, Monahan, Gaudreau, and Russell who will all require contracts before Wideman's contract comes off the books.

I think Wideman has a lot more value than others think. They guy stepped up, was in the top 10 scoring for defencemen, was playing top pairing & over 25 minutes a game to get us into the playoffs & during the playoffs. We are in the drivers seat with him. By the time we need cap space, his 2 more years will be done & we'll get a Glencross return in his final year at the TDL. I can see Buffalo taking a run at him. Would love to see a Pysyk & their 2nd rounder (32nd) for Wideman & Reinhart. Then we can take a run at Petry or I like the idea of offering our 53rd & Granlund to Minny for Spurgeon. Minny has some big signings to make including Duby. I would give them our 45th to get their 21st & take Backstrom off their hands if our own Goaltending situation wasn't so (frank)ed up already.
- Kevin R

People are big on Spurgeon but I'm not sure we should be. He's a decent D man but our D got man-handled in the ANA series because they were too small. We already have Russell so I, personally, wouldn't target Spurgeon.

People are big on Spurgeon but I'm not sure we should be. He's a decent D man but our D got man-handled in the ANA series because they were too small. We already have Russell so I, personally, wouldn't target Spurgeon.
- TandA4Flames

Well, he isn't flashy but he's RHD, mobile, had a very good season playing 2nd pairing on Minny, who are pretty darn solid on the blue line & he has 1 more year at around 2.6mill & is 25 years old RFA. Fits the age wheel house. I would rather score Seabrook but the cost would be horrible & I do get what people are saying, we may not be ready to add that piece. But he should would be a huge improvement on that 2nd pairing from a Possession standpoint. 5 on 5, Wideman isn't a 2nd pairing D-man. But Wideman has the experience & can step up like he proved this year & he is lethal on the PP. There are a number of teams would find 2 more years at 5.250mill as a great fit while they transition younger players. Buffalo & maybe Colorado would be good fits. Heard Conroy & Button mentioning top 10 in this draft should go as expected for most but after that, anything can happen & a player you may have slotted at 11 could easily drop to 15 or later. If we moved up, it would have to be to crack that top 10. Will cost lots of assets. I don't think our cap space is a tool anymore & really, teams don't want to pay a very high price for it anyway.

what a great site
- Bigern4MVP

You mad bro?

I think Wideman's value is great right now. That where I think that he can be used to try and move up in the draft. Colorado needs improvement in defense. So if as part the basis of the deal you can send Wideman and 15th to them for 10th (there may need to be deal tweaking needed) it may be worth looking into. From there if they can get a key future piece in that draft spot then they come out in front. And again for me the two main targets are either Zack Werenski as a big right handed shot defenseman, or Lawson Crouse to be that scoring power forward for the top 6.

I'd try to replace Wideman with a guy like Cody Franson as a UFA (younger, bigger, and maybe less expensive). And while it may not be a big issue, it makes money available to resign Girodano, Monahan, Gaudreau, and Russell who will all require contracts before Wideman's contract comes off the books.
- dal_johnson

I like this

This (frank)in sux

Time to play hardball. I've PM'd Eklund and told him all of us are ditching this site permanently if he doesn't find a blogger within 7 days.

Time to play hardball. I've PM'd Eklund and told him all of us are ditching this site permanently if he doesn't find a blogger within 7 days.
- Nucker101

The Kesler curse continues.

Time to play hardball. I've PM'd Eklund and told him all of us are ditching this site permanently if he doesn't find a blogger within 7 days.
- Nucker101

poop just got real

Time to play hardball. I've PM'd Eklund and told him all of us are ditching this site permanently if he doesn't find a blogger within 7 days.
- Nucker101

It doesn't even need to be a blogger. Just give a brief posting that it will appear on the main page so that us Flames fans have a place to easily go in and discuss.

Just simple:

What are your hopes / plans for the Flames this off season?

What do you want to see done at the draft? Who or what types of players?

Internal signings? Who should they resign of their current players? What should the contracts look like?

What do you want to see them do / target in regards to trades or Free Agents? Who out of the UFA's? Go after and RFA's?

There, simple put that in a post on the main page with a Flames Logo. Then we can all go in there to discuss, argue, praise, whatever we want to do. When it runs through the main page, then just re-post it. It will fill the time and give us a forum until a new permanent blogger can be decided on.