Training Camp battles

[travel_dude]

What's the cap implications for stuffing contracts in the minors?  It still counts against the cap right?

 

For a contract like Raymond's, you would save about $975k on the cap.  The Wade Redden rule.  There is a calculation, but it has more to do with players making less money.

 

So the easy answer is keeping Jooris and demoting Raymond would net 0.  If you demoted Hiller and brought up Ortio, you would save about $375k, I believe.

 

What I am not sure about is the number of guys signed to 1-way deal (26 or 27) is larger than the number allowed (23).  You have to demote somebody, but the cap is all signed players I think.

[Khrox]

Ya, I believe if you stuffed a 1-way contract in the minors, you save up to 975k (less if the contract is worth less than that). Most times when it happens they are in the ~1 mil range anyways so it's not usually worried about. Though some teams do try it for cap saving (like the Kings with the Richards contract last year), it's not very effective when the guys you call up are worth nearly the same amount you are saving. In a case like Smid/Engelland/Raymond it might save some money but it really shouldn't be counted on as a way to get under cap if you are over and at the roster limit.

[travel_dude]

Ya, I believe if you stuffed a 1-way contract in the minors, you save up to 975k (less if the contract is worth less than that). Most times when it happens they are in the ~1 mil range anyways so it's not usually worried about. Though some teams do try it for cap saving (like the Kings with the Richards contract last year), it's not very effective when the guys you call up are worth nearly the same amount you are saving. In a case like Smid/Engelland/Raymond it might save some money but it really shouldn't be counted on as a way to get under cap if you are over and at the roster limit.

 

It's not a cap saving measure at all.  It would be a strategic move to make the team better (if you agree) now.  Slight chance that some would be claimed.  More likely it would be a sign that they would be bought out the end of the season.  We aren't that desperate for cap space.  

[cccsberg]

It's not a cap saving measure at all.  It would be a strategic move to make the team better (if you agree) now.  Slight chance that some would be claimed.  More likely it would be a sign that they would be bought out the end of the season.  We aren't that desperate for cap space.  

Agree its not a Cap-saving measure this year, as we have adequate Cap space at the moment.  It may help loosen up some NTC contracts (Raymond, Stajan...) and let guys know where they stand in the pecking order.  In any case, I'm all for keeping up the best players, period.  Let the games begin.

[Khrox]

Ya, it's definitely not a cap-saving measure but it can help in extreme cases. 

As far as the pecking order ccc, I see Stajan as a guy who isn't going anywhere for the next 2 years. The guy can play up and down, can play Center or Wing (best suited to Center), gives it his all, provides some veteran leadership and can help shelter the young guys from some harder minutes (opening up better offensive minutes for guys like Bennett, while taking some of the heavy defensive load off of Backlund). Though Arnold may definitely push him, it really depends on how ready he is (as I think he is the guy to take over the prime bottom 6 role)

[travel_dude]

Ya, it's definitely not a cap-saving measure but it can help in extreme cases. 

As far as the pecking order ccc, I see Stajan as a guy who isn't going anywhere for the next 2 years. The guy can play up and down, can play Center or Wing (best suited to Center), gives it his all, provides some veteran leadership and can help shelter the young guys from some harder minutes (opening up better offensive minutes for guys like Bennett, while taking some of the heavy defensive load off of Backlund). Though Arnold may definitely push him, it really depends on how ready he is (as I think he is the guy to take over the prime bottom 6 role)

Stajan is Backlund insurance, for now.  Without Backlund, we have Monahan and Stajan as proven NHL centers.  With a healthy Backlund, Matty has many other uses.  Killing penalties, energy line guy, effective passer....

 

That is the thing with this team; players have to be more than a one-trick pony.  A winger outside the top line needs to be able to play both wings or center.  A bottom 6 guy needs to be able to step up to at least the 2nd line if needed.  All players have to have the ability to play while holding a lead or play from behind.  

 

Going over just the main guys (currently signed, waiver eligible, Ferland and Granlund), I have the following comments:

 

Monahan - able to play against the top lines or play a purely defensive role, can play PK or PP

Hudler - likes to play RW but is suited for LW or C, plays defensively without the puck and won't take many penalties

Johnny - will play in all situations, but is best suited for top 3 scoring LW

Backlund - can play LW or C, offensive or defensive

Frolik - suited for defensive or offensive, able to play all 3 positions

Raymond - mostly a top 6 LW'er; can play on PP, but not great without the puck

Jones - power forward that can score or play top 6 RW, but is used mostly on shutdown

Stajan - defensive specialist, energy player, can play up and down the lineup

Bennett - gritty offensive player; not a good sense yet of his other skills, has played LW

Colborne - big C that can play RW; has a long reach and can protect the puck on the cycle; haven't seen enough of the offensive side yet though; can play up to the 2nd line

Bouma - gritty, shot-blocking, hitting machine; can score on the rush; can play C or wing 

Bollig - limited usefulness; plays gritty but takes lots of penalties (not just fighting); more minutes played do not equal a better result  

Jooris - gritty, defensive-minded center, can play RW; has played on scoring lines

Byron - gritty speedster; plays 100% at a level bigger than his body size; can play all 3 spots, up and down the lineup

Ferland - forechecking fool; energy, has good hands, primarily a LW'er; can play up to the 2nd line

Granlund - has some grit, but has defensive instincts; can play LW or C (needs better FO%); can play on PK

Shore - a bit of sandpaper to his game; can play C or RW; not much else to say from limited viewing

 

That is 17 guys, only one of which is waiver exempt.  If you can only logically keep 14, who is the most expendable?  I know who I would keep.  There are only about 9 guys that are a lock to be on the opening night roster.  That sets up some good battles for the other 5 spots.

[The_People1]

Stajan is Backlund insurance, for now.  Without Backlund, we have Monahan and Stajan as proven NHL centers.  With a healthy Backlund, Matty has many other uses.  Killing penalties, energy line guy, effective passer....

 

That is the thing with this team; players have to be more than a one-trick pony.  A winger outside the top line needs to be able to play both wings or center.  A bottom 6 guy needs to be able to step up to at least the 2nd line if needed.  All players have to have the ability to play while holding a lead or play from behind.  

 

Going over just the main guys (currently signed, waiver eligible, Ferland and Granlund), I have the following comments:

 

Monahan - able to play against the top lines or play a purely defensive role, can play PK or PP

Hudler - likes to play RW but is suited for LW or C, plays defensively without the puck and won't take many penalties

Johnny - will play in all situations, but is best suited for top 3 scoring LW

Backlund - can play LW or C, offensive or defensive

Frolik - suited for defensive or offensive, able to play all 3 positions

Raymond - mostly a top 6 LW'er; can play on PP, but not great without the puck

Jones - power forward that can score or play top 6 RW, but is used mostly on shutdown

Stajan - defensive specialist, energy player, can play up and down the lineup

Bennett - gritty offensive player; not a good sense yet of his other skills, has played LW

Colborne - big C that can play RW; has a long reach and can protect the puck on the cycle; haven't seen enough of the offensive side yet though; can play up to the 2nd line

Bouma - gritty, shot-blocking, hitting machine; can score on the rush; can play C or wing 

Bollig - limited usefulness; plays gritty but takes lots of penalties (not just fighting); more minutes played do not equal a better result  

Jooris - gritty, defensive-minded center, can play RW; has played on scoring lines

Byron - gritty speedster; plays 100% at a level bigger than his body size; can play all 3 spots, up and down the lineup

Ferland - forechecking fool; energy, has good hands, primarily a LW'er; can play up to the 2nd line

Granlund - has some grit, but has defensive instincts; can play LW or C (needs better FO%); can play on PK

Shore - a bit of sandpaper to his game; can play C or RW; not much else to say from limited viewing

 

That is 17 guys, only one of which is waiver exempt.  If you can only logically keep 14, who is the most expendable?  I know who I would keep.  There are only about 9 guys that are a lock to be on the opening night roster.  That sets up some good battles for the other 5 spots.

 

Colborne is a player who i have trouble slotting into the lineup because he's awkward on the RW.  Last season, he started at C and then when he got surpassed by others at C, they tried him on LW (where i'm sure he told coaching staff that he's more comfortable on the LW than RW).  But then he got surpassed on the LW by others so then he found himself on the RW. 

 

This is a make it or break it year for Colborne because he's not going to supplant Hudler and Frolik on the RW on the top two lines.  David Jones is sort of married to Backlund's line.  The Flames also want to audition Poirier on the RW this season.

 

I really liked Colborne in the Canucks series because there were shifts where he discovered how to use his size against smaller Canucks D and he dominated the offensive boards.  But then subsequently, against bigger and faster Ducks D, he was rendered useless.  I don't know where he will find himself once the lines sort itself out because from what we can see, he's got no line to play on.

[The_People1]

Oh, there's also Derek Grant who BT has spoken very highly of, almost like we should expect him to be on the opening day roster.  Not sure if he's on a one-way deal or not.

[MAC331]

Stajan is Backlund insurance, for now.  Without Backlund, we have Monahan and Stajan as proven NHL centers.  With a healthy Backlund, Matty has many other uses.  Killing penalties, energy line guy, effective passer....

 

That is the thing with this team; players have to be more than a one-trick pony.  A winger outside the top line needs to be able to play both wings or center.  A bottom 6 guy needs to be able to step up to at least the 2nd line if needed.  All players have to have the ability to play while holding a lead or play from behind.  

 

Going over just the main guys (currently signed, waiver eligible, Ferland and Granlund), I have the following comments:

 

Monahan - able to play against the top lines or play a purely defensive role, can play PK or PP

Hudler - likes to play RW but is suited for LW or C, plays defensively without the puck and won't take many penalties

Johnny - will play in all situations, but is best suited for top 3 scoring LW

Backlund - can play LW or C, offensive or defensive

Frolik - suited for defensive or offensive, able to play all 3 positions

Raymond - mostly a top 6 LW'er; can play on PP, but not great without the puck

Jones - power forward that can score or play top 6 RW, but is used mostly on shutdown

Stajan - defensive specialist, energy player, can play up and down the lineup

Bennett - gritty offensive player; not a good sense yet of his other skills, has played LW

Colborne - big C that can play RW; has a long reach and can protect the puck on the cycle; haven't seen enough of the offensive side yet though; can play up to the 2nd line

Bouma - gritty, shot-blocking, hitting machine; can score on the rush; can play C or wing 

Bollig - limited usefulness; plays gritty but takes lots of penalties (not just fighting); more minutes played do not equal a better result  

Jooris - gritty, defensive-minded center, can play RW; has played on scoring lines

Byron - gritty speedster; plays 100% at a level bigger than his body size; can play all 3 spots, up and down the lineup

Ferland - forechecking fool; energy, has good hands, primarily a LW'er; can play up to the 2nd line

Granlund - has some grit, but has defensive instincts; can play LW or C (needs better FO%); can play on PK

Shore - a bit of sandpaper to his game; can play C or RW; not much else to say from limited viewing

 

That is 17 guys, only one of which is waiver exempt.  If you can only logically keep 14, who is the most expendable?  I know who I would keep.  There are only about 9 guys that are a lock to be on the opening night roster.  That sets up some good battles for the other 5 spots.

I will predict that how the forward lines start out is not how they will finish the season LOL.

We find ourselves as victims of our own success, meaning certain players were kept and brought in to assist with a proper rebuild. I believe to a degree BT will stay with course he committed to in the previous off season. He has the leeway to use this year to push back the development of some players we will be counting on in the near future but not this year. He has also been quoted about building from within from here on, after the additions of Frolik and Hamilton . He knows there are certain players that will have to go eventually in order to accommodate the anticipated growth from within the organization.

[travel_dude]

Colborne is a player who i have trouble slotting into the lineup because he's awkward on the RW.  Last season, he started at C and then when he got surpassed by others at C, they tried him on LW (where i'm sure he told coaching staff that he's more comfortable on the LW than RW).  But then he got surpassed on the LW by others so then he found himself on the RW. 

 

This is a make it or break it year for Colborne because he's not going to supplant Hudler and Frolik on the RW on the top two lines.  David Jones is sort of married to Backlund's line.  The Flames also want to audition Poirier on the RW this season.

 

I really liked Colborne in the Canucks series because there were shifts where he discovered how to use his size against smaller Canucks D and he dominated the offensive boards.  But then subsequently, against bigger and faster Ducks D, he was rendered useless.  I don't know where he will find himself once the lines sort itself out because from what we can see, he's got no line to play on.

 I am a little befuddled with Colborne too.  He has the tools to be an effective top 6 player, but can't seem to put them together in the same game.  Maybe he would be better suited on LW.  He has good FO% numbers, but there really isn't a fit for him now at that spot.  He could easily be passed by Ferland on LW, so RW at least gives him a chance on the Stajan line.  Jones could be traded before too long.

 

 

Oh, there's also Derek Grant who BT has spoken very highly of, almost like we should expect him to be on the opening day roster.  Not sure if he's on a one-way deal or not.

 

I keep forgetting about Grant.  He is also a center, but comes with decent numbers from the AHL.

 

I will predict that how the forward lines start out is not how they will finish the season LOL.

We find ourselves as victims of our own success, meaning certain players were kept and brought in to assist with a proper rebuild. I believe to a degree BT will stay with course he committed to in the previous off season. He has the leeway to use this year to push back the development of some players we will be counting on in the near future but not this year. He has also been quoted about building from within from here on, after the additions of Frolik and Hamilton . He knows there are certain players that will have to go eventually in order to accommodate the anticipated growth from within the organization.

 

I have no idea what BT will do, nor what BH thinks following the 2nd round exit.  What I do know is that 16 forwards have waiver status that makes decisions more difficult (excluding Grant since I don't know his waiver status).  You can't just go with "the ones that brought you to the dance", since that ignores the future and possibly sub-par performances in the end.  Guys like Poirier, Agostino and Arnold (among others) doen't need to be rushed at all, but decisions have to be made about the future of Granlund (soon anyway), keeping or waiving Ferland or Shore or Jooris or Byron, where Jones fits, etc... 

[cccsberg]

Ya, it's definitely not a cap-saving measure but it can help in extreme cases. 

As far as the pecking order ccc, I see Stajan as a guy who isn't going anywhere for the next 2 years. The guy can play up and down, can play Center or Wing (best suited to Center), gives it his all, provides some veteran leadership and can help shelter the young guys from some harder minutes (opening up better offensive minutes for guys like Bennett, while taking some of the heavy defensive load off of Backlund). Though Arnold may definitely push him, it really depends on how ready he is (as I think he is the guy to take over the prime bottom 6 role)

I would agree that Arnold is the likely candidate to take that #4C role at the moment.

 

As far as Stajan goes, I pretty much agree with what you are saying, with one caveat.  Last year he was out injured for a significant period.  While he was out the team actually performed better, and when he returned the team got worse, at least as far as W-L record.  It took Stajan probably at least a half dozen games to get back up to speed/competing at the level his replacements had already been playing at.  What that tells me is we've already got adequate replacements for him hockey-wise and the ONLY thing he is really bringing to the table versus a prospect (Jooris/Byron/Colborne...Arnold/Shore) is veteran experience and perhaps mental toughness which I would say is a tangible benefit to the team, especially in the heat of a playoff race or the playoffs themselves.    

 

At some point the Flames have got to get the youngsters into the line-up so they can start building that experience for themselves.  As far as I could tell from last year the only thing keeping Stajan here was his contract, wanting to have half a dozen or so vets to stabilize the team and provide veteran leadership, and perhaps an inability to trade him(?).   

 

This is a new year.  Hopefully the youngsters will be even better, more mature, and starting to provide leadership of their own.  If Stajan can't up his game to keep pace I don't see him long for the team...

[cccsberg]

 I am a little befuddled with Colborne too.  He has the tools to be an effective top 6 player, but can't seem to put them together in the same game.  Maybe he would be better suited on LW.  He has good FO% numbers, but there really isn't a fit for him now at that spot.  He could easily be passed by Ferland on LW, so RW at least gives him a chance on the Stajan line.  Jones could be traded before too long.

 

 

 

I keep forgetting about Grant.  He is also a center, but comes with decent numbers from the AHL.

 

 

I have no idea what BT will do, nor what BH thinks following the 2nd round exit.  What I do know is that 16 forwards have waiver status that makes decisions more difficult (excluding Grant since I don't know his waiver status).  You can't just go with "the ones that brought you to the dance", since that ignores the future and possibly sub-par performances in the end.  Guys like Poirier, Agostino and Arnold (among others) doen't need to be rushed at all, but decisions have to be made about the future of Granlund (soon anyway), keeping or waiving Ferland or Shore or Jooris or Byron, where Jones fits, etc... 

I agree we don't know the mind of BT or BH, nor what the players themselves are going to bring come TC.  What we do know is we have an excess of waiver-eligible players and barring injury or late pre-season trades, several will get waived.

 

We also know the ones that got us to the second round last year, probably need upgrades to go even further.  Some will come with experience and maturity, and having Gio back, and the Hamilton and Frolik acquisitions look sweet at the moment, so not graduating anyone except Bennett may lead to even more playoffs and a further run.  That is the most likely scenario with the pushing prospects filling in for injuries and eventually busting down the doors and never going back.  

[cross16]

I still like Stajan on this team as an insurance policy and to aid in the PK. If Backlund and Stajan can take a majority of the PK responsiblities I think you have better opporutnities to utilize Monahan and Bennet in PP and offensive zone opportunities without getting their ice time up there too much. Not to mention, you have Bennett coming off missing half the season with a shoulder and Backlund has yet to prove he can stay healthy either so I really like the insurance policy Stajan gives you.

 

I also dont' see STajan's contract as that bad that if the Flames were to decide to move on I think they would have takers. 3.5 for a pretty good defensive center who can stil add a bit of offensive punch is not a bad contract at all so if they had to move him I think they could. I dont' think the return would blow you away but it would be ok. Having said that, I think Stajan fits this year and then its next offseason you have to make some harder decisions. I don't see the value in trading Stajan this year.

[The_People1]

I still like Stajan on this team as an insurance policy and to aid in the PK. If Backlund and Stajan can take a majority of the PK responsiblities I think you have better opporutnities to utilize Monahan and Bennet in PP and offensive zone opportunities without getting their ice time up there too much. Not to mention, you have Bennett coming off missing half the season with a shoulder and Backlund has yet to prove he can stay healthy either so I really like the insurance policy Stajan gives you.

 

I also dont' see STajan's contract as that bad that if the Flames were to decide to move on I think they would have takers. 3.5 for a pretty good defensive center who can stil add a bit of offensive punch is not a bad contract at all so if they had to move him I think they could. I dont' think the return would blow you away but it would be ok. Having said that, I think Stajan fits this year and then its next offseason you have to make some harder decisions. I don't see the value in trading Stajan this year.

 

For as long as the Flames can absorb Stajan's cap hit on the 4th line, then ya, it's definitely good to have Stajan around.  By next season, the drop off in Stajan to others like Granlund, Arnold, Shore, etc is worth the $2-mil cap hit savings.

[kehatch]

I still like Stajan on this team as an insurance policy and to aid in the PK. If Backlund and Stajan can take a majority of the PK responsiblities I think you have better opporutnities to utilize Monahan and Bennet in PP and offensive zone opportunities without getting their ice time up there too much. Not to mention, you have Bennett coming off missing half the season with a shoulder and Backlund has yet to prove he can stay healthy either so I really like the insurance policy Stajan gives you.

I also dont' see STajan's contract as that bad that if the Flames were to decide to move on I think they would have takers. 3.5 for a pretty good defensive center who can stil add a bit of offensive punch is not a bad contract at all so if they had to move him I think they could. I dont' think the return would blow you away but it would be ok. Having said that, I think Stajan fits this year and then its next offseason you have to make some harder decisions. I don't see the value in trading Stajan this year.

I agree right now. But it is very possible that Arnold, Granlund, Grant, or another takes his spot. In which case moving him makes sense this season.

I am not as confident they can move him. He is injury prone himself and his point production doesn't justify the contract. But the real issue is his term. I don't see many teams wanting to take him on for three seasons. The modified NTC also limits where you can move him, which may limit rebuilding clubs that could use a player like him. The term also limits the Flames ability to keep salary.

Personally I would like to see a C moved to the wing to give him third line minutes. I think if you can get his offensive production up a bit maybe you can find a taker. But Stajan keeps getting passed on the depth chart so that's tough to do.

[Flyerfan52]

I agree right now. But it is very possible that Arnold, Granlund, Grant, or another takes his spot. In which case moving him makes sense this season.

I am not as confident they can move him. He is injury prone himself and his point production doesn't justify the contract. But the real issue is his term. I don't see many teams wanting to take him on for three seasons. The modified NTC also limits where you can move him, which may limit rebuilding clubs that could use a player like him. The term also limits the Flames ability to keep salary.

Personally I would like to see a C moved to the wing to give him third line minutes. I think if you can get his offensive production up a bit maybe you can find a taker. But Stajan keeps getting passed on the depth chart so that's tough to do.

I'd rather keep Stajan than hope another takes his spot. Until then I'd keep my ears open for offers (as with any player) but wouldn't be shopping him if it was my call.

I disagree he'd be hard to move. If you only look @ games missed he looks injury prone in the last 2 years but remember that many games @ the end of the 2013-14 season were for personal reasons rather than injury.

@ 3.1 x 3 with the ability to play any forward position & move up & down the lines as needed there would be a demand for him. If it's decided Ehlers would be better off with a year in Europe (he can't go to the AHL) & Burmistrov not fitting in as well as hoped I could see interest from the Jets. After GMs see what they have in T/C I imagine interest from others including from 2 teams awaiting legal decisions.

[cross16]

I agree right now. But it is very possible that Arnold, Granlund, Grant, or another takes his spot. In which case moving him makes sense this season.

I am not as confident they can move him. He is injury prone himself and his point production doesn't justify the contract. But the real issue is his term. I don't see many teams wanting to take him on for three seasons. The modified NTC also limits where you can move him, which may limit rebuilding clubs that could use a player like him. The term also limits the Flames ability to keep salary.

Personally I would like to see a C moved to the wing to give him third line minutes. I think if you can get his offensive production up a bit maybe you can find a taker. But Stajan keeps getting passed on the depth chart so that's tough to do.

 

 

I think he is easier to move next offeason not now. Now I agree you can't move him becuse I don't see enough teams that can fit the $ and term but at 2 years and potetnially eatting a small amount of money, or taking a bit of money back I think he is movable because teams always want good defensive centers who can win a faceoff.

 

IMO, Stajan is a solid 3rd line center and I dont agree his numbers are that bad. He's average right around 10 goals and around 30 points in a 3rd/4th line defensive role.  Guys like Boyd Gordan, Chris Kelly, Davig Legwand all I would call similar players and make around that amount too. I think its the going rate for someone who can play a 3rd line type role.

[MAC331]

 I am a little befuddled with Colborne too.  He has the tools to be an effective top 6 player, but can't seem to put them together in the same game.  Maybe he would be better suited on LW.  He has good FO% numbers, but there really isn't a fit for him now at that spot.  He could easily be passed by Ferland on LW, so RW at least gives him a chance on the Stajan line.  Jones could be traded before too long.

 

 

 

I keep forgetting about Grant.  He is also a center, but comes with decent numbers from the AHL.

 

 

I have no idea what BT will do, nor what BH thinks following the 2nd round exit.  What I do know is that 16 forwards have waiver status that makes decisions more difficult (excluding Grant since I don't know his waiver status).  You can't just go with "the ones that brought you to the dance", since that ignores the future and possibly sub-par performances in the end.  Guys like Poirier, Agostino and Arnold (among others) doen't need to be rushed at all, but decisions have to be made about the future of Granlund (soon anyway), keeping or waiving Ferland or Shore or Jooris or Byron, where Jones fits, etc... 

Granlund I would like to see go down and play LW exclusively. If you can't keep everyone the ones we could lose IMO are Byron, Shore and Bollig. Colborne, Jooris and Ferland have versatility and are the players we need on the roster.

[travel_dude]

Granlund I would like to see go down and play LW exclusively. If you can't keep everyone the ones we could lose IMO are Byron, Shore and Bollig. Colborne, Jooris and Ferland have versatility and are the players we need on the roster.

You realize that I left Raymond out of that list of players.  In a previous post I talked about the versatility of all the forwards, and Raymond was one that was lacking the most.  BH may give Raymond a bit of the benefit of doubt, but if the choice was Raymond or Byron.....

 

Shore can play two positions, but is an unknown quantity.  A good camp could change that.

Granlund on the wing could surprise.  A good camp could see him kept up.

 

Anyway, I leave it to everyone's own opinions prior to Bob and Brad actually making the cuts/assignments.  Until then, we have the Young Stars to watch, camp to hear about and pre-season to see who excels.

[MAC331]

You realize that I left Raymond out of that list of players.  In a previous post I talked about the versatility of all the forwards, and Raymond was one that was lacking the most.  BH may give Raymond a bit of the benefit of doubt, but if the choice was Raymond or Byron.....

 

Shore can play two positions, but is an unknown quantity.  A good camp could change that.

Granlund on the wing could surprise.  A good camp could see him kept up.

 

Anyway, I leave it to everyone's own opinions prior to Bob and Brad actually making the cuts/assignments.  Until then, we have the Young Stars to watch, camp to hear about and pre-season to see who excels.

 

I thought you had him in the list. I have no use for Bryon the same way you have no use for Raymond so we will leave it at that. Shore I don't see cracking this roster over Jooris.

[kehatch]

I think he is easier to move next offeason not now. Now I agree you can't move him becuse I don't see enough teams that can fit the $ and term but at 2 years and potetnially eatting a small amount of money, or taking a bit of money back I think he is movable because teams always want good defensive centers who can win a faceoff.

IMO, Stajan is a solid 3rd line center and I dont agree his numbers are that bad. He's average right around 10 goals and around 30 points in a 3rd/4th line defensive role. Guys like Boyd Gordan, Chris Kelly, Davig Legwand all I would call similar players and make around that amount too. I think its the going rate for someone who can play a 3rd line type role.

Legwand was a 50+ C when he signed his two year contract. Gordan was overpaid to play in Edmonton. Kelly put up 20 20 before signing his contract.

Stajan put up 17 points last season. That has been pretty standard outside of one good season two years ago. Outside of the shortened season he has missed around 20 games a season the last 4 years. If he was a free agent this summer I doubt he gets a 3.5x3 contract.

I think a lot of teams would like to have Stajan. But I think it is unlikely a team he will waive for will take him for three years. I am not saying it's impossible. Just unlikely.

[MAC331]

I agree right now. But it is very possible that Arnold, Granlund, Grant, or another takes his spot. In which case moving him makes sense this season.

I am not as confident they can move him. He is injury prone himself and his point production doesn't justify the contract. But the real issue is his term. I don't see many teams wanting to take him on for three seasons. The modified NTC also limits where you can move him, which may limit rebuilding clubs that could use a player like him. The term also limits the Flames ability to keep salary.

Personally I would like to see a C moved to the wing to give him third line minutes. I think if you can get his offensive production up a bit maybe you can find a taker. But Stajan keeps getting passed on the depth chart so that's tough to do.

All I can say is Stajan must provide something within that locker room because I have no idea why they extended him. I was waiting for his last contract to end so we could get rid of him. I agree with kehatch, we have better players to have at the 4th line C position. BT knows he has to clear out Jones, Stajan, Raymond, Engelland and Smid between now and next season.

[The_People1]

I think a lot of teams would like to have Stajan. But I think it is unlikely a team he will waive for will take him for three years. I am not saying it's impossible. Just unlikely.

 

Agreed.  Stajan has good rapport in this league and i think many teams would like to have Stajan but that cap hit is the main problem and a lot of teams simply cannot make the math work.  It looks like he will be the 4th line Center for the Flames this season but I believe a lot of teams see Stajan as a legit 3rd line Center and thus, could be interest in his services.

[JTech780]

I forget where I read it but it sounds like Colborne's wrist is taking longer to heal than expected and that he won't be ready to go for training camp. The article also said that Jooris and Byron might not be ready to go for training camp either.

Edit: Found it.

http://www.mynhltraderumors.com/2015/09/10/morning-hits-expansion-voynov-glencross-bernier-and-flames/

[Carty]

Have to say that I'm really looking forward to seeing how camp plays out this year....