Todd Cordell: The NHL has finalized its playoff format

Good article but the Flames don't have to worry who they may play as they won't get past the Jets. lol Seriously its good to see the NHL actually rewarding the top teams in the playoffs.

Good article but the Flames don't have to worry who they may play as they won't get past the Jets. lol Seriously its good to see the NHL actually rewarding the top teams in the playoffs.
- islansjet

I would also pick the Jets over the Flames...but not by a large margin. Jets always seem better on paper than what they bring to the ice. Should Flames win (I give them 35-65 odds) they won't be helped by a Hawk upset of the Oil. Oilers easily beat Hawks in 3 or 4 games. If Flames do get by the Jets...I think the next round finds them totally outmatched. But...after all that is said....after such a long lay off and in these unusual circumstances I wouldn't bet against almost anything happening, especially for this first round of best-of-5.

I would also pick the Jets over the Flames...but not by a large margin. Jets always seem better on paper than what they bring to the ice. Should Flames win (I give them 35-65 odds) they won't be helped by a Hawk upset of the Oil. Oilers easily beat Hawks in 3 or 4 games. If Flames do get by the Jets...I think the next round finds them totally outmatched. But...after all that is said....after such a long lay off and in these unusual circumstances I wouldn't bet against almost anything happening, especially for this first round of best-of-5.
- hawk35

I think it’s pretty well dead even. Calgary has more depth on forward and D, arguably a way better D core but the difference in goaltending is where I can see the jets prevail.

I think it’s pretty well dead even. Calgary has more depth on forward and D, arguably a way better D core but the difference in goaltending is where I can see the jets prevail.
- RedC21

I would definitely give the Flames the edge on defense. And the Jets the edge on Goalies. But, we differ when comparing forwards. I like the Jet group better. Bigger, younger, faster for the most part.
Schiefle
Wheeler
Ehlers
Laine
Conner
With this core 5 I like the top 2 lines Jets can roll, and in a 3 of 5 I believe the Top 6 mean more than the depth.
Just an opinion, but thats why I make Jets 65% fav to beat Flames.

I respect your argument though, and a Flames series win wouldn't shock me.

As much as I miss hockey (frank)ing cancel the season for (frank) sakes already and start in October as normal for a new season.

I’ve been reading a few commenters in the sabres forum and a couple capfriendly armchair GM’s that proposed to trade buffalo’s draft pick (if it stays 7th) for Sean monahan straight up.

I’m not sure if the values are even and draft picks can be a gamble (see Sam Bennett) but it’s something I would definitely consider if we get knocked out in the play in.

As much as I miss hockey (frank)ing cancel the season for (frank) sakes already and start in October as normal for a new season.
- FlamesFan1230

Regardless as to wether we finish the year or if we were to cancel, next season likely won’t start until January. The league is adamant about not starting next year until they are allowed to put butts in seats.

I’ve been reading a few commenters in the sabres forum and a couple capfriendly armchair GM’s that proposed to trade buffalo’s draft pick (if it stays 7th) for Sean monahan straight up.

I’m not sure if the values are even and draft picks can be a gamble (see Sam Bennett) but it’s something I would definitely consider if we get knocked out in the play in.
- RedC21

Yes, but then we have to face the hard truth and embrace a rebuild. Trading Monahan even for a high 1rst rounder is pointless if we don't ship out Gaudreau and others as well.

I’ve been reading a few commenters in the sabres forum and a couple capfriendly armchair GM’s that proposed to trade buffalo’s draft pick (if it stays 7th) for Sean monahan straight up.

I’m not sure if the values are even and draft picks can be a gamble (see Sam Bennett) but it’s something I would definitely consider if we get knocked out in the play in.
- RedC21

How does that make any sense for the Flames?

The only way it makes a lick of sense is if Buffalo's also throwing in a prospect with top six upside who is NHL ready next year.

Monahan isn't an elite centre, but he's worth a hell of a lot more than a pick that'll probably never be better than he is.

I would definitely give the Flames the edge on defense. And the Jets the edge on Goalies. But, we differ when comparing forwards. I like the Jet group better. Bigger, younger, faster for the most part.
Schiefle
Wheeler
Ehlers
Laine
Conner
With this core 5 I like the top 2 lines Jets can roll, and in a 3 of 5 I believe the Top 6 mean more than the depth.
Just an opinion, but thats why I make Jets 65% fav to beat Flames.

I respect your argument though, and a Flames series win wouldn't shock me.
- hawk35

Jets are so awesome they finished behind the Flames the last two seasons

And the blow it up talk? Flames are top team since November when the racist was fired...always look to upgrade but blowing it up. Come on

How does that make any sense for the Flames?

The only way it makes a lick of sense is if Buffalo's also throwing in a prospect with top six upside who is NHL ready next year.

Monahan isn't an elite centre, but he's worth a hell of a lot more than a pick that'll probably never be better than he is.
- Hunkulese

Monahan was a 6th overall pick so trading him for the 7th pick in a loaded draft doesn't seem that senseless to me. Check out this link for some excellent scouting reports on prospects for the 2020 draft. One of (Quinn, Rossi, Holtz will likely be available at 7 and they look pretty damn good. https://www.youtube.com/user/yann987/videos
Buffalo would likely need us to take some money back so I propose working Risto into the deal somehow.

Monahan was a 6th overall pick so trading him for the 7th pick in a loaded draft doesn't seem that senseless to me. Check out this link for some excellent scouting reports on prospects for the 2020 draft. One of (Quinn, Rossi, Holtz will likely be available at 7 and they look pretty damn good. https://www.youtube.com/user/yann987/videos
Buffalo would likely need us to take some money back so I propose working Risto into the deal somehow.
- DEDDIE

Not Ristolainen.

If we trade Monahan, the Flames are entering into a rebuild. Makes no sense to grab Ristolainen then.

If we enter a rebuild we should look to weaponize our cap space for the few years we're gonna suck. Offer the Sabres to take Okposo from their hands, but tell them it's gonna cost them Cozens as well.

To BUF : Sean Monahan, Dave Rittich
To CGY : Kyle Okposo, Carter Hutton, Dylan Cozens, 2020 1rst round pick (7th overall?)

The top 4 seeds still have to play their round robin to determine seeding. We don't know who the flames will play regardless of what teams moves on.

Not Ristolainen.

If we trade Monahan, the Flames are entering into a rebuild. Makes no sense to grab Ristolainen then.

If we enter a rebuild we should look to weaponize our cap space for the few years we're gonna suck. Offer the Sabres to take Okposo from their hands, but tell them it's gonna cost them Cozens as well.

To BUF : Sean Monahan, Dave Rittich
To CGY : Kyle Okposo, Carter Hutton, Dylan Cozens, 2020 1rst round pick (7th overall?)
- redseerpf

I would much rather have 25 year old Risto at 5.4mm x 2 years than a 32 year old Okposo at 6mm x 3 years and pretty sure Buffalo would feel the same way. But my main point is go get that 7th overall pick if a deal is there to be made as I dont see how moving Monahan = a full rebuild.

I would much rather have 25 year old Risto at 5.4mm x 2 years than a 32 year old Okposo at 6mm x 3 years and pretty sure Buffalo would feel the same way. But my main point is go get that 7th overall pick if a deal is there to be made as I dont see how moving Monahan = a full rebuild.
- DEDDIE

You don't see how moving Monahan = a full rebuild?

Because Mikael Backlund becomes your 1rst line center then. Or, if you move Lindholm to center, Dillon Dube becomes your 1rst RW.

Not exactly a recipe for short-term success.

Not Ristolainen.

If we trade Monahan, the Flames are entering into a rebuild. Makes no sense to grab Ristolainen then.

If we enter a rebuild we should look to weaponize our cap space for the few years we're gonna suck. Offer the Sabres to take Okposo from their hands, but tell them it's gonna cost them Cozens as well.

To BUF : Sean Monahan, Dave Rittich
To CGY : Kyle Okposo, Carter Hutton, Dylan Cozens, 2020 1rst round pick (7th overall?)
- redseerpf

I don’t think we should go into full blown rebuild but if we get knocked out of the play-in round it’s clear a re-tool will be necessary, similar to what the bruins did in 2015/2016. Or we could use the cap space gained from monahan to improve our roster now.

I’m talking about trading one player from a core that hasn’t gotten it done for the past 5 years. As well we already have an internal replacement in lindholm ready to take the 1C reigns. Add gaudreau, tkachuck, the continued development of mangiapane, dube, Anderson and hopefully Pelletier and this team could be a contender sooner than later. Not to mention 2 picks in the top 15 of what’s supposed to be a deep draft. Sure they may never pan out as good as monahan but I would rather take the gamble they will be than lose in the 1st again because what we have isn’t good enough.

I don’t think the sabres would be willing to give you cozens to get rid of okposo and Hutton since they have 35 million in cap space opening up this season anyway. As well okposo has 3 years left on his deal which doesn’t bode well for us if we want to compete again in the next 2.

You don't see how moving Monahan = a full rebuild?

Because Mikael Backlund becomes your 1rst line center then. Or, if you move Lindholm to center, Dillon Dube becomes your 1rst RW.

Not exactly a recipe for short-term success.
- redseerpf

This talk of Monahan for a 7th overall is insanity. Jesus & we are going to have to wait how long before we see this kid picked at 7th come anywhere close to 20 goals.
Fck that. People get down on Monahan & he has just scored what 30 goals how many consecutive seasons??? Sabres with Eichel are still horrendous, why should we solve their problem. I would trade them Backlund for that #7 pick if they want a 2nd line centre so bad. But they have Reinhart. They need to appease Eichel & I would think they would covet Gaudreau on his wing & that would be worth that #7, Reinhart & a very good prospect. That would be something I would consider.

You don't see how moving Monahan = a full rebuild?

Because Mikael Backlund becomes your 1rst line center then. Or, if you move Lindholm to center, Dillon Dube becomes your 1rst RW.

Not exactly a recipe for short-term success.
- redseerpf

Granted it would weaken our RW even further if we moved Lindy to C but other moves could be made to bolster the RW. I dont believe loosing Mony puts this team into full rebuild for a minute but if it does then its probably time to consider that.

This talk of Monahan for a 7th overall is insanity. Jesus & we are going to have to wait how long before we see this kid picked at 7th come anywhere close to 20 goals.
Fck that. People get down on Monahan & he has just scored what 30 goals how many consecutive seasons??? Sabres with Eichel are still horrendous, why should we solve their problem. I would trade them Backlund for that #7 pick if they want a 2nd line centre so bad. But they have Reinhart. They need to appease Eichel & I would think they would covet Gaudreau on his wing & that would be worth that #7, Reinhart & a very good prospect. That would be something I would consider.
- Kevin R

The 7 hole in this draft will not be traded for peanuts so Mony straight up for the pick is likely close to what the price for that pick would be. Mony made the jump to the Flames right out of the draft and scored 22 goals as a rookie why could another pick not do the same thing.
I would move JG for the RIGHT PRICE all day too.

Monahan was a 6th overall pick so trading him for the 7th pick in a loaded draft doesn't seem that senseless to me. Check out this link for some excellent scouting reports on prospects for the 2020 draft. One of (Quinn, Rossi, Holtz will likely be available at 7 and they look pretty damn good. https://www.youtube.com/user/yann987/videos
Buffalo would likely need us to take some money back so I propose working Risto into the deal somehow.
- DEDDIE

Most years the top ten prospects look like future stars and most years a lot of them turn out to be flops. When you're scouting boys, the best you can hope for is an educated guess about how they'll turn out as men.

The Flames got lucky how well Monahan turned out. Why trade away a guy who's got another solid ten years in him to roll the dice again?

Most years the top ten prospects look like future stars and most years a lot of them turn out to be flops. When you're scouting boys, the best you can hope for is an educated guess about how they'll turn out as men.

The Flames got lucky how well Monahan turned out. Why trade away a guy who's got another solid ten years in him to roll the dice again?
- Hunkulese

That is one argument for sure.
If we traded Mony straight up for number 7 you would have to factor in the 6.3mm cap savings we gain and how we spend that to evaluate a move like this.

Most years the top ten prospects look like future stars and most years a lot of them turn out to be flops. When you're scouting boys, the best you can hope for is an educated guess about how they'll turn out as men.

The Flames got lucky how well Monahan turned out. Why trade away a guy who's got another solid ten years in him to roll the dice again?
- Hunkulese

In addition, he has 3 more years at a decent cap hit. Gaudreau will get back a bigger return & I really do have doubts we can get him re-signed. We move Gaudreau for a big package of that #7 pick & probably next years first & a few highend young players, I know I'll get roasted, but that gives us the $$$ to bring in Hall for free. & we replace our top 6 LW.

That is one argument for sure.
If we traded Mony straight up for number 7 you would have to factor in the 6.3mm cap savings we gain and how we spend that to evaluate a move like this.
- DEDDIE

That cap hit for 3 more years is actually a decent one for a 30 goal scorer. Have we not learnt our lessons on trading pure goal scorers like Hull & St Louis in their prime?

Most years the top ten prospects look like future stars and most years a lot of them turn out to be flops. When you're scouting boys, the best you can hope for is an educated guess about how they'll turn out as men.

The Flames got lucky how well Monahan turned out. Why trade away a guy who's got another solid ten years in him to roll the dice again?
- Hunkulese

We trade him because we’re not satisfied with just making the playoffs, and at least I don’t think he’s the difference between us being a contending team or not.

Personally I’ve been a monahan fan since he was a rookie and I own his jersey as well but looking around the league he is in the bottom 10 of 1st line C’s which isn’t good enough to win a cup.

In my opinion it seems as though somewhere across the last 3 or 4 seasons he stopped developing and grew content with being gaudreau’s passenger.

We would even be better off to use the money we do save on his contract to sign lehner or hall.