2019 Offseason Thread

[flames for life]

7 minutes ago, MAC331 said:

I don't think there is any doubt you keep Bennett and I would be surprised if BT gives him anything over 3.5M. I would like to see him back at C In the top 6 as we need his compete level there. I think both Jankowski and Mangiapane showed well this season but I wouldn't keep them only because I think they can be improved upon. Trade them to a team that could use them up off the 4th line. I also would like to see Dube into the picture but that is likely LW 4th line initially with Ryan.

I have kept focus on Mangepani since before picked him up, and the thing that impressed me the most is his desire to trip up anyone who said he “can’t do it”.  This last month he showed some skill sets that reminded me of Cammalari.  That one-timer on the right side was top dollar.  I don’t think we would be wise to give him up just yet.  His tenacity and doggedness when he has the puck is something the Flames need.  I don’t see him as a first liner, but he definitely has shown second line abilities.  Unlike Janko, I still see lots of upside to Mange.  Janko, IMO, has shown his ceiling.  I don’t see him improving beyond 3rd line placement, at best.  He has made himself valuable as a PK specialist, but so has Hathaway for less money, and more aggression.

[travel_dude]

46 minutes ago, JTech780 said:

I am curious to see how Bennett, Mangiapane, Dube and Jankowski all fit into the lineup next season.

 

I think we need to keep Bennett, just because we don't have a ton of what he brings, and he has shown time and time again that he takes his game to the next level, when the games get bigger and more important. The question with Bennett is going to be what his next contract looks like.

 

Mangiapane won me over this year. I was really unsure about him, as he looked very tentative previously. After he scored his 1st goal and started getting his confidence, he showed what he is capable of. The question for him is how to you get him more playing time. Can he play on the right side?

 

Dube needs to be in the lineup next season, he is ready for full time duty

 We need his quickness and his tenaciousness. The question for him is where does he fit. 3rd/4th LW? 3rd/4tg C?

 

Jankowski has plateaued, and while he isn't terrible, I think we can do better. I would look to move him for a 3rd rounder. The only concern is that he brings size down the middle, but he doesn't use it, so there goes that concern.

 

Dube vs Janko

Dube has much better IQ, but Janko is rangey and could develop into a top 6 guy.

Hasn't been much progression to date to back that up, but you can't teach size.

Dube is going to be better with better linemates; Janko doesn't seem to be any different.

Janko is better at faceoffs.

 

Bennett

Doesn't play well with other kids.   

Hasn't been used much at C, but when he plays the wing he doesn't use his linemates.

Better production in playoffs than regular season.

Bennett-Janko-Neal is a trainwreck.

If they played him as a 4th liner, with guys like Ryan and Hathaway, they would destroy other teams.

None of them are particularly gifted, but they forecheck really well and are hard on pucks.

 

Mangiapane

I think the kid has top 6 potential.

He's sneaky good, but at the same time is a dog after a bone.

He fights through checks, doesn't avoid them.

Probably the best one-timer on the team.

 

Neal doesn't really get in the way of any of these players, but he impacts the way the line plays.  Considering that Neal has played with faster players, and he scored a lot off the rush, I can't see him playing with Bennett or Janko at all.  If you could design a line with 2 speedy players, Neal could be in for a bump to his scoring.

Mangiapane could play opposite a guy like Lindholm.  Maybe add Neal to that line?  Don't know, never seen it.  Neal would probably get some chances that way.

Dube might have to switch wings.  If we upgrade Backlund to a more offensive C, then Dube could fit with Tkachuk.  

 

[The_People1]

4 hours ago, MAC331 said:

PHI needs to get younger not older. This doesn't fly.

 

That's what we believe they should do but they fired Hextall because he was being too patient.  I believe their new regime has been told to win now.  That means they need older players, like 25+.

 

They will likely be okay trading 20 year olds like Patrick, Frost, and Hart for guys in mid 20s.  Giordano might fit their bill based on Norris-level season.

 

They won't give their kids away for free so it's going to take a good player from us.  Granted, this means taking one step back next season in order to take two steps forward in three to four years time.

[MAC331]

19 minutes ago, flames for life said:

I have kept focus on Mangepani since before picked him up, and the thing that impressed me the most is his desire to trip up anyone who said he “can’t do it”.  This last month he showed some skill sets that reminded me of Cammalari.  That one-timer on the right side was top dollar.  I don’t think we would be wise to give him up just yet.  His tenacity and doggedness when he has the puck is something the Flames need.  I don’t see him as a first liner, but he definitely has shown second line abilities.  Unlike Janko, I still see lots of upside to Mange.  Janko, IMO, has shown his ceiling.  I don’t see him improving beyond 3rd line placement, at best.  He has made himself valuable as a PK specialist, but so has Hathaway for less money, and more aggression.

This is nothing against Mangiapane or Jankowski, quite the opposite. I think we will get some decent draft picks back on them plus improve on them within the team. If things stayed the same into next season LW depth is Gaudreau, Tkachuk, Bennett and Mangiapane with Dube and Rychel now options. Should BP move some people around like Bennett to C or Tkachuk to RW then Mangiapane could be better utilized and this could happen. I would prefer to gain some size and spend for our 3rd line which if you seen my post like UFAs Dzingel LW and Connelly RW for Backlund C.

[MAC331]

33 minutes ago, travel_dude said:

 

Dube vs Janko

Dube has much better IQ, but Janko is rangey and could develop into a top 6 guy.

Hasn't been much progression to date to back that up, but you can't teach size.

Dube is going to be better with better linemates; Janko doesn't seem to be any different.

Janko is better at faceoffs.

 

Bennett

Doesn't play well with other kids.   

Hasn't been used much at C, but when he plays the wing he doesn't use his linemates.

Better production in playoffs than regular season.

Bennett-Janko-Neal is a trainwreck.

If they played him as a 4th liner, with guys like Ryan and Hathaway, they would destroy other teams.

None of them are particularly gifted, but they forecheck really well and are hard on pucks.

 

Mangiapane

I think the kid has top 6 potential.

He's sneaky good, but at the same time is a dog after a bone.

He fights through checks, doesn't avoid them.

Probably the best one-timer on the team.

 

Neal doesn't really get in the way of any of these players, but he impacts the way the line plays.  Considering that Neal has played with faster players, and he scored a lot off the rush, I can't see him playing with Bennett or Janko at all.  If you could design a line with 2 speedy players, Neal could be in for a bump to his scoring.

Mangiapane could play opposite a guy like Lindholm.  Maybe add Neal to that line?  Don't know, never seen it.  Neal would probably get some chances that way.

Dube might have to switch wings.  If we upgrade Backlund to a more offensive C, then Dube could fit with Tkachuk.  

 

BP tried to upgrade Backlund as a more offensive C this season, failed.

[travel_dude]

55 minutes ago, MAC331 said:

BP tried to upgrade Backlund as a more offensive C this season, failed.

 

He tried to upgrade Backlund?

How so?  He played the 3M line, which was not known for offense.

Tkachuk managed to defy odds, in spite of playing with Backlund.

Mind you, a lot of his offense came on the PP.

[MAC331]

1 hour ago, The_People1 said:

 

That's what we believe they should do but they fired Hextall because he was being too patient.  I believe their new regime has been told to win now.  That means they need older players, like 25+.

 

They will likely be okay trading 20 year olds like Patrick, Frost, and Hart for guys in mid 20s.  Giordano might fit their bill based on Norris-level season.

 

They won't give their kids away for free so it's going to take a good player from us.  Granted, this means taking one step back next season in order to take two steps forward in three to four years time.

I'm not sure that is why Hextall didn't last there. PHI has always been a management mess almost as bad as EDM with old players running the decisions. Besides you are so far off with this thought of trading Giordano, no chance of that happening.

[JTech780]

So going into the offseason here is where I am at as far trade pieces.

 

Untouchable:

Valimaki

Dube

Andersson

Tkachuk

Rittich

 

Players I wouldn't Trade without an overpayment:

Gaudreau

Giordano

Lindholm

Backlund

Mangiapane

Ryan

 

Players I would investigate the market on:

Monahan

Hanifin

Hamonic

Bennett

 

Players I would put on the block:

Brodie

Frolik

Jankowski

Neal

Stone

 

 

 

 

[The_People1]

2 hours ago, MAC331 said:

I'm not sure that is why Hextall didn't last there. PHI has always been a management mess almost as bad as EDM with old players running the decisions. Besides you are so far off with this thought of trading Giordano, no chance of that happening.

 

Fair to say we don't know the full reasons for the Hextall firing but I recall Elliotte Friedman speculating on it saying that Flyers ownership didn't like Hextall's ideology of building slowly through the draft.  Allegedly, the owners are accustomed to the Flyers being in on every big name UFA every summer and making big splashes on TDL.  Hextall created a new culture of draft and development...(which I think we can all agree is the right thing to do.  I agree they should go young, not older)... But alas, that's Freidman's speculation which, if true, means the new guy is hired to bring back the big splashes.  It would mean ownership wants to be contenders asap.

 

We all know the reality of trading Giordano is near zero.  I'm just saying, we "should" be open to anything.  The Flyers would jump on Giordano and Gaudreau without hesitation (they shouldn't but they will) and we could possibly "steal" a future #1 goalie from them... And maybe a future #1 C. 

[flames-fan-in-jets-land]

5 hours ago, The_People1 said:

 

That's what we believe they should do but they fired Hextall because he was being too patient.  I believe their new regime has been told to win now.  That means they need older players, like 25+.

 

They will likely be okay trading 20 year olds like Patrick, Frost, and Hart for guys in mid 20s.  Giordano might fit their bill based on Norris-level season.

 

They won't give their kids away for free so it's going to take a good player from us.  Granted, this means taking one step back next season in order to take two steps forward in three to four years time.

Considering the absolute gong show Philly goaltending is right now I can't see them trading Hart unless someone offered them a ludicrous deal. Elliot, Talbot and Neuvierh are all UFA and 31+ years old. If any re-sign it will be for discounted backup duties. Maybe Lyon has potential?

[flames-fan-in-jets-land]

41 minutes ago, JTech780 said:

So going into the offseason here is where I am at as far trade pieces.

 

Untouchable:

Valimaki

Dube

Andersson

Tkachuk

Rittich

 

Players I wouldn't Trade without an overpayment:

Gaudreau

Giordano

Lindholm

Backlund

Mangiapane

Ryan

 

Players I would investigate the market on:

Monahan

Hanifin

Hamonic

Bennett

 

Players I would put on the block:

Brodie

Frolik

Jankowski

Neal

Stone

 

 

 

 

 

That's pretty close to how I would place them also. Personally I would move Lindholm and Hamonic up one tier.  Lindy for his versatility and Hammer for the grit and fearlessness.

[travel_dude]

4 hours ago, JTech780 said:

So going into the offseason here is where I am at as far trade pieces.

 

Untouchable:

Valimaki

Dube

Andersson

Tkachuk

Rittich

 

Players I wouldn't Trade without an overpayment:

Gaudreau

Giordano

Lindholm

Backlund

Mangiapane

Ryan

 

Players I would investigate the market on:

Monahan

Hanifin

Hamonic

Bennett

 

Players I would put on the block:

Brodie

Frolik

Jankowski

Neal

Stone

 

 

 

 

 

 

The untouchables list is fair.

Only 2 forwards on the list...Hmmmm.

I would put Mangiapane on that list. 

I think he could end up being better than Dube.

 

Backlund should not be "overpayment" trade.

He has some fans elsewhere, but I could stand for a swap of a similar player.

Maybe a step down in defensive and up in offensive.

 

What I find amazing is that Gaudreau is not on the 1st list.

How many players are close to a p/gp in this league?  Not that many.

I get that you want overpayment, but that rarely matches what you give up.

 

So, Monahan isn;t a playoff performer in the times he's been there.

He is partially responsible for the team actually making the playoffs.

Gotta replace 30 goals if you trade him.

 

I get that you are PO'd with our results, but I don't get the need for a rebuild after a successful regular season.  Add pieces.  Identify the guys that are not helping you win.  Lose the guys that drag you down.  If you want to trade Monahan for Tarasenko, then I am fine with that.  Brodie for Kapanen or Nylander?  Fine.  Backlund for Josh Anderson?  Sure.  Bennett for a young RW prospect?  Sure.  Gio for Paranko?  Sure.  Just don't try to do all that in the same year.  You'll end up with Neal-esque results

[JTech780]

1 hour ago, travel_dude said:

 

The untouchables list is fair.

Only 2 forwards on the list...Hmmmm.

I would put Mangiapane on that list. 

I think he could end up being better than Dube.

 

Backlund should not be "overpayment" trade.

He has some fans elsewhere, but I could stand for a swap of a similar player.

Maybe a step down in defensive and up in offensive.

 

What I find amazing is that Gaudreau is not on the 1st list.

How many players are close to a p/gp in this league?  Not that many.

I get that you want overpayment, but that rarely matches what you give up.

 

So, Monahan isn;t a playoff performer in the times he's been there.

He is partially responsible for the team actually making the playoffs.

Gotta replace 30 goals if you trade him.

 

I get that you are PO'd with our results, but I don't get the need for a rebuild after a successful regular season.  Add pieces.  Identify the guys that are not helping you win.  Lose the guys that drag you down.  If you want to trade Monahan for Tarasenko, then I am fine with that.  Brodie for Kapanen or Nylander?  Fine.  Backlund for Josh Anderson?  Sure.  Bennett for a young RW prospect?  Sure.  Gio for Paranko?  Sure.  Just don't try to do all that in the same year.  You'll end up with Neal-esque results

 

The only players I would actively be looking to trade are the players in the last group. 

 

The 3rd group is players that I would look to see what the interest is but, I wouldn't be actively looking to trade them. More or less just seeing if there was enough interest to warrant moving them.

 

I agree on Monahan. It is hard to find 30 goal scorers in this league. My concern is that I am not sure Monahan is a guy that gets you to the next level. 

 

The 2nd group are players, that I wouldn't even bring up to other teams, but if they come looking for them and are willing to pay through the nose than I would look at it.

 

Backlund is an elite defensive center, and has the puck going in the right direction more often than not.

[MAC331]

17 hours ago, travel_dude said:

 

He tried to upgrade Backlund?

How so?  He played the 3M line, which was not known for offense.

Tkachuk managed to defy odds, in spite of playing with Backlund.

Mind you, a lot of his offense came on the PP.

He went back to the 3M when everything else failed

[MAC331]

14 hours ago, The_People1 said:

 

Fair to say we don't know the full reasons for the Hextall firing but I recall Elliotte Friedman speculating on it saying that Flyers ownership didn't like Hextall's ideology of building slowly through the draft.  Allegedly, the owners are accustomed to the Flyers being in on every big name UFA every summer and making big splashes on TDL.  Hextall created a new culture of draft and development...(which I think we can all agree is the right thing to do.  I agree they should go young, not older)... But alas, that's Freidman's speculation which, if true, means the new guy is hired to bring back the big splashes.  It would mean ownership wants to be contenders asap.

 

We all know the reality of trading Giordano is near zero.  I'm just saying, we "should" be open to anything.  The Flyers would jump on Giordano and Gaudreau without hesitation (they shouldn't but they will) and we could possibly "steal" a future #1 goalie from them... And maybe a future #1 C. 

I remember FF constantly mentioning Hextall being handcuffed by the prior GM with contracts. Sometimes there is no choice but to ride out bad situations but not by getting rid of good young talent. LAK and ANA are in that same boat.

[MAC331]

8 hours ago, JTech780 said:

 

The only players I would actively be looking to trade are the players in the last group. 

 

The 3rd group is players that I would look to see what the interest is but, I wouldn't be actively looking to trade them. More or less just seeing if there was enough interest to warrant moving them.

 

I agree on Monahan. It is hard to find 30 goal scorers in this league. My concern is that I am not sure Monahan is a guy that gets you to the next level. 

 

The 2nd group are players, that I wouldn't even bring up to other teams, but if they come looking for them and are willing to pay through the nose than I would look at it.

 

Backlund is an elite defensive center, and has the puck going in the right direction more often than not.

I would throw Mangiapane and Ryan is the last group. You don't have Hathaway anywhere.

[travel_dude]

9 hours ago, JTech780 said:

 

The only players I would actively be looking to trade are the players in the last group. 

 

The 3rd group is players that I would look to see what the interest is but, I wouldn't be actively looking to trade them. More or less just seeing if there was enough interest to warrant moving them.

 

I agree on Monahan. It is hard to find 30 goal scorers in this league. My concern is that I am not sure Monahan is a guy that gets you to the next level. 

 

The 2nd group are players, that I wouldn't even bring up to other teams, but if they come looking for them and are willing to pay through the nose than I would look at it.

 

Backlund is an elite defensive center, and has the puck going in the right direction more often than not.

 

Trading Neal is not a wise decision at this point.  The optics are bad, and you end up trying to move a Lucic type contract/results.  BT has shown to give those big UFA signings a 2nd year to recover their worth.  Both for the team value and potential trade value.  Brodie, Frolik and Stone should absolutely be moved.  Brodie has high value.  Frolik is the type of player every team needs.  Stone is a 5/6 on average teams.  He's no worse than a Polack.

 

Janko.  Interesting player.  Not sure how he is viewed by other teams, but the 18 goal average over the last 2 years and the shorties he's scored might bump up his value.  Maybe it's just who he's playing with right now, but he was not that great a fit with Bennett and Neal.  Maybe the fact that both he and Bennett have struggled over the past two seasons should be alarms bells on the two players, not just Janko.  Perhaps Janko can be made better with Mangiapane and Dube as a line.  Or some such combo.  Use his speed (if he has any).  I know he was a passenger a lot of nights and I hoped that he would use his size for his advantage at some point.

 

  

[JTech780]

1 hour ago, travel_dude said:

 

Trading Neal is not a wise decision at this point.  The optics are bad, and you end up trying to move a Lucic type contract/results.  BT has shown to give those big UFA signings a 2nd year to recover their worth.  Both for the team value and potential trade value.  Brodie, Frolik and Stone should absolutely be moved.  Brodie has high value.  Frolik is the type of player every team needs.  Stone is a 5/6 on average teams.  He's no worse than a Polack.

 

Janko.  Interesting player.  Not sure how he is viewed by other teams, but the 18 goal average over the last 2 years and the shorties he's scored might bump up his value.  Maybe it's just who he's playing with right now, but he was not that great a fit with Bennett and Neal.  Maybe the fact that both he and Bennett have struggled over the past two seasons should be alarms bells on the two players, not just Janko.  Perhaps Janko can be made better with Mangiapane and Dube as a line.  Or some such combo.  Use his speed (if he has any).  I know he was a passenger a lot of nights and I hoped that he would use his size for his advantage at some point.

 

  

 

It's a long shot that we will be able to move Neal, and if we could move we would either have to add a sweetener like a draft pick or a prospect like Dube or take back and equally terrible contract. The most likely scenario is that we hope he rebounds. At the same time I think if you can find a trade that makes sense you do it.

 

I was really cheering for Jankowski to come in a be a good contributor for this team. The issue is that he looks very lost majority of the time. He just doesn't have the hockey IQ to play a top 9 role.

 

I think Bennett has started to find his way, and I would like to see what he can do with a center who can move the puck, Backlund or Ryan in particular. Jankowski just doesn't have any idea where his teammates are on the ice at any given moment.

[Horsman1]

On 4/21/2019 at 6:32 PM, Thebrewcrew said:

Here's my take

 

Buyouts

•  Stone- gonna be tough to trade but maybe to Vegas at half price (1.75), even then they may wait to sign him after we buy him out

 

RFA

• Tkachuk- this is gonna be a tough negotiation, the market is so different now than when Monahan and Gaudreau signed. This is gonna be a long negotiation I think that drags out. It could be anywhere between 6.75-8.5 I think
• Rittich- BT tends to be rather thrifty and shrewd, but this negotiation shouldn't be too hard. The Grubauer deal with COL last season at 3.3x3 seems like a good comparable here and that's where I would expect it to end up in the 3-3.5 range. 
• Mangiapane- this shouldn't be a tough deal either as Mangiapane still has a small sample size at the NHL level. Comparable could be Garland in ARI 775k x2.
• Bennett- this could be a tough negotiation again as Bennett didn't have a great regular season once again with 27 points. Once again though he was good in the playoffs. I would say though he did look way better than he ever has at any point in his career this year. Question is what do you pay a 30pt guy? My guess is the 2.25-2.5 range on another bridge deal

-only gonna comment on the NHL RFA's

 

UFA

• Fantenberg- I would like to keep him, depends on cost though. At a shade over 1mill so that you could bury him with no effect on the cao I would be good with bringing him back. 
• Smith- common theme with all UFA we have is at what cost? I don't think he will be in too high of demand so BT may have some leverage, but I think he will want at least what Rittich gets since they played a fairly even split and Smith played playoffs. 
• Hathaway- I think Hathaway is the most likely UFA to leave. I'd be ok with giving him up to 1.3 but even that's pushing it an he's coming off a career year. Once in a life time opportunity for him to test UFA. Guys like Tim Schaller signed for 1.9 last year. I think we could use either Czarnik or Buddy Robinson as 4th line RW next year instead.

 

Needs

•  top 6 RW
• top 9 C
• 3rd pair D
• backup/1b goalie

 

Trade Bait

• Frolik- almost got traded to MIN, good player but if not on the 3M line doesn't really fit into the lineup. Could probably use his 4.3 off the books too
• Brodie- once again could use the 4.6 off the books and with the young blueliners we have he is expendable. Would likely fetch a pair of 2nd's.
• Jankowski- need a better 3rd line C to contend. He likely doesn't have much value though
• Kylington- I don't think the organization is very high on him. If they don't see a future for him then I hope they move him before he loses his value and becomes a life long AHer
• Gillies- minor league move, make room for a Parsons and Zagidulin tandem.

 

Trade Targets

• Zucker- BT was in on Hamonic for over a year so I doubt he gives up on Zucker completely
• Haula- could be the ideal 3rd line C and he was Neal's linemate in VGK, shouldn't cost too much as Vegas is cap strapped and Haula pretty much missed a full season also makes our lineup faster
• Eakin- same thing as Haula, could be a good 3rd line C and Vegas will need to make moves
• Kapanen- I would throw a 4.05x5 offersheer at him, it would make things really tough for TOR and it has a legit chance at working. Kapanen for a 2nd would be awesome although likely a pipe dream

 

UFA Targets

• Talbot- if not Smith then Talbot could be a good option, similar deal to Khudobin and Halak signed last year at 2.75x2

I would stay away from UFA to be honest

 

we have backlund as third line center.. he has proven year after year he is NOT the offensively skilled center we need on our second line.. And Bennett is NOT a right winger or center.. Never will be in this league but.. he is the perfect left winger for backlund on the third line.. We have 4 players for the top 2 lines..   Gaudrea/Lindstrom.Tkachuk and Monahan.. those are the lines that need to be completed.. Bennett and backlund will have Frolik or Neal to patrol the right side unless .. Fingers crossed.. We somehow lose those contracts..although.. Personally.. I'd keep frolik The fourth line of Mangio/hathaway and Ryan i'd resign and keep together.. 

 

 

[travel_dude]

2 hours ago, JTech780 said:

 

It's a long shot that we will be able to move Neal, and if we could move we would either have to add a sweetener like a draft pick or a prospect like Dube or take back and equally terrible contract. The most likely scenario is that we hope he rebounds. At the same time I think if you can find a trade that makes sense you do it.

 

I was really cheering for Jankowski to come in a be a good contributor for this team. The issue is that he looks very lost majority of the time. He just doesn't have the hockey IQ to play a top 9 role.

 

I think Bennett has started to find his way, and I would like to see what he can do with a center who can move the puck, Backlund or Ryan in particular. Jankowski just doesn't have any idea where his teammates are on the ice at any given moment.

 

Two players, last 10 games of regular season:

10 gp 6 points

10 gp 3 points

 

At some point Bennett has to contribute more than a 4th line player.  We can't keep building lines with him if he isn't taking the opportunity.  I agree that Janko and he have done little together, but part of that is on Bennett.  If you are not going to score that much, then become a defensive center and we can move Backlund.  

[flames-fan-in-jets-land]

2 hours ago, travel_dude said:

 

Two players, last 10 games of regular season:

10 gp 6 points

10 gp 3 points

 

At some point Bennett has to contribute more than a 4th line player.  We can't keep building lines with him if he isn't taking the opportunity.  I agree that Janko and he have done little together, but part of that is on Bennett.  If you are not going to score that much, then become a defensive center and we can move Backlund.  

Problem is would either be able to keep up with other teams top lines? I'm talking abouts the Crosbys, Barkovs, and Marners, nevermind McDavid or McKinnon.

[redfire11]

So going into the offseason here is where I am at as far trade pieces.

I will include UFAs as tradable rights.

 

Untouchable:

 

Valimaki

Dube

Andersson

Gaudreau

Rittich

Giordano

Mangiapane

Lindholm

Hamonic

 

Players I wouldn't Trade without an overpayment:

 

Backlund

Monahan

Ryan

Tkachuk

Hanifin

Bennett

Hathaway

 

Players I would investigate the market on:

Frolik

Jankowski

 

Players I would put on the block:

Brodie

Neal

Stone

Smith

[Khrox]

21 hours ago, travel_dude said:

So, Monahan isn;t a playoff performer in the times he's been there.

He is partially responsible for the team actually making the playoffs.

Gotta replace 30 goals if you trade him

In 20 playoff games, Monahan has 8 goals, 13 points. (slightly above average, but not overly special)
In 20 playoff games, Gaudreau has 4 goals, 12 points (making him slightly above average, but not a special player).

I know it's not much, but I've seen a lot of people talking about how Gaudreau underperformed this playoffs (1 assist in 5 games) but you take that out he has 11 points in 15 games (pretty good). Doing the same for Monahan (taking out this years 1 goal, 2 points in 6 games), he has 11 points, in 15 games (making him just as valuable as Gaudreau).

Whether or not Monahan has produced like you'd hope as a top end center, he has been otherwise invaluable for us both regular season (roughly 30 goals a season), and still decent at the playoffs for us (still over 0.5 ppg). He is a 1C. Maybe not an elite 1c, but a 1c none the less, and arguably one of the better ones in the NHL. The upside of parity is that anything can happen, the downside is, that the talent becomes much more similar amongst most teams. The top end teams will be top because of better scouting, and hitting more regularly on 3rd round and later picks. The bottom tier teams will still have good players, but will rarely hit on anything out of the first or even the second round (look at Edmonton for example, or even Buffalo). With parity, the only way to keep ahead, is good scouting, and good development teams. Right now, Calgary has decent scouting (could be better, but I'd still say above average). Our development could be a fair bit better though. A lot of our best prospects our developed in other leagues, (be it NCAA or CHL), and often come straight out of College/Juniors with little time in the AHL (Gaudreau, Tkachuk, Monahan, Valimaki are all good examples. Vali spending time in AHL only after suffering an injury and other players showing they can play up here such as Kylington). If we could improve the drafting just a bit, and get a bit better developing, we could easily be a powerhouse, and we could contemplate much more easily, the trade of the lower-end top guys like Monahan or Backlund (or Ideally, developing a guy to push Monahan down to 2c and Backs to 3c).

[MAC331]

Subtractions
Neal, Jankowski, Mangiapane, Czarnick, Brodie and Stone

Additions by trade or UFA

Kapanen RW, Dzingel C/LW, Mrazek G

2019-20 LINEUP

Gaudreau, Lindholm, Tkachuk

Monahan, Dzingel, Kapanen

Bennett, Backlund, Frolik ( if Frolik goes Connelly here)

Dube, Ryan, Hathaway

Rychel, Lazar

DEFENSE

Giordano, Andersson

Hanifin, Hamonic

Valimaki, Fantenberg

Kylington

GOALES
Mrazek, Rittich

[bosn111]

Khrox,

 

I don't think anybody is saying that Monahan or Gaudreau are not high end players. As you point out, they are very good and they do work well together in the regular season. Playoffs are a different beast as proven this year with all 4 division winners and last years Stanley cup champs being dispatched in the first round. As I stated in the what we learned thread, Monahan is a sniper that just does not drive the play on his own and needs someone to make room for him and someone else to pass to him. When Lindholm got hot early in the season, D had to focus more on him which opened Johnny and Mony. Johnny getting covered heavily helps open up Mony but if Mony isn't able to get a clear shot, his shooting percentage drops. Neal would never work on a line with Johnny and Mony since they are basically the same type of player at different positions.

 

If we could move some things around where Johnny had more of a power forward center, driving play to the net, that would give him more space to be able to work. Lindholm would be a great compliment as an all rounder. Monahan needs a winger or 2 to drive the net and boards for him who can get him the puck in the slot after they have pulled the D out of the way. The reason Bennett hasn't really worked for them is that he is too snake bitten offensively so the D leave his shooting to be handled by the tender and the D can focus on Johnny and Mony. If Bennett could find his offensive touch, he could work there with them, but for now, he doesn't cut it. Lindholm doesn't drive the play as much as he controls the puck. Skilled and great all around but not that power move to the net.

 

I still think Neal could work with Johnny IF they had a power center. Money could still do very well with the right compliment. The team makeup just isn't quite right at this time. They need to make changes, and need to decide exactly what they want to do.