As I looked at the Calgary Flames' offseason moves, I say blah blah blah. Don't get me wrong; I love the Markstrom transaction. There is little doubt he is one of the best goalies in the League. I don't even mind the cost. The problem that I have is the downgrade on defence.
I want to be positive, but the Flames are in dire straights of getting an RD. I have a reputation for being a cynical grump. If you want a yes man, go buy a car. If you want honest facts, pay attention: the Flames are in trouble with their defence.
The other problem is that the top six are not good enough. I am sorry to say that the Maple Leafs, Jets, and Oilers all have a better top six. Yes, I went there. Unfortunately, in the real world, the Flames don't automatically get a pass. They are still a playoff contender, but when it comes to the championship, they are a pretender.
Last word
Get excited about Dustin Wolf. He is the real deal. I never thought we would get a better goalie prospect than Parsons, but Wolf is a WHL first-team All-Star goalie. He led the League in games, save percentage, and goals against average. If he sees the puck, he usually saves it. Not bad, considering he was picked 214 in the draft.
The Calgary Flames brought Blasy back. It was the worst-kept secret ever, as the NHL revealed its #ReverseRetro Jerseys. Another cash grab media, only this time it works. I always like the old jerseys. The more the Calgary Flames can get their name out, the better in this pandemic year. With the NHL delaying the season's start, the Flames have to remind us that they are still here.
The Flames need a blast from the past for this team. What this team is missing is an Al MacInnis slapshot. Wouldn't it be nice to have a slapshot like this on the powerplay?
How about another blast from the past? Maybe a right-winger with some speed who can score with the best of them. Show me some Swedish cooking!
No, not him! I mean Hakin Loob, the magical right-winger. Besides, I don't think the Swedish Chef can skate, let alone shoot.
The Flames are also looking for a stay home right-defencemen. A Rod Ramage would fit the bill. A player with some offense but who does not look out of place in the defensive zone.
Yes, the Flames need to roll back their hockey lineage. Bring back some grit and some speed. Adding one last ingredient, a top-six forward, and you have the perfect recipe for a playoff-bound team.
As I was a little saddened today, my heart aches as the world lost a friend today in Joey Moss. I will never forget what he meant to the Oilers fans and every hockey fan in general. My most significant memory of him is when he sang Oh Canada. I have never felt so emotional as I did that day.
Joey Moss was loved by everyone he left. His spirit represents why this game of hockey is Canada's game. Every time I saw him, he had a smile on his face; he was right there through every step of the Oilers' growing pains. Joey never gave up, and he never let the Edmonton players give up. He was as much a part of the dressing room as every player through the years was.
There are not enough words I could write that could describe how much Joey Moss was loved. Every story the media did on Joey, it made me pull for him. Every time I saw him smile, it gave me the reason to smile. No matter what Joey was going through, you would have never known it by looking at him. He gave me the motivation to keep going; he represents the will to win.
Joey, in my heart, will be not only an Edmonton icon but an Alberta icon. His heart and soul will live on. Thank you. Thank you for the encouragement you gave the players, the city, and, most of all, for me. Joey was elected to the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.
It has been a little quiet of late in Cowtown. Especially after Brad Treliving said the Flames are not done. I haven't written, because it is hard to find a topic to write on. I could write on how much I loved the improvements on our top-six forwards. No, I couldn't. I hate that we have not made any progress on our top-six forwards. I could write about our much vastly improved our defense from last season. And I believe that pigs fly. Yeah, I really don't think that. I could write about how I feel the Flames could win the Stanley Cup. And I am a supermodel—wait, no, I am not. Maybe closer to the exact opposite. I could write about how excited I am about the powerplay this season. And I could write on how I am a highly successful millionaire I am—wait no, I am not. I bet all my money on the Calgary Flames in the playoffs. That's right; they have no chance of winning the Stanley Cup.
Maybe I could write about how many trades the Flames are rumoured to be involved in. Perhaps I could go to watch paint dry. Because that is more interesting than the news. I could write a blog on how much I sincerely believe Brad Treliving every time he speaks. Or I could tell you how much of a deal I found on my dream car in the scrap yard. Oh, wait, no, I didn't, and I really don't believe anything Brad says.
I could write on how exciting the options are for the Flames in the offseason. Or I could write about how wonderful 2020 has been. Oh, wait, 2020 has sucked. I can't wait until this year ends. The Flames don't have many options left to improve this team.
We all need to laugh at ourselves once in a while.
The Calgary Flames went big game hunting and came up with an all-star goaltender. They seem to like the Canucks players and circled back to pick up Defencemen Chris Tanev. The choice of Tanev, $500,000 cheaper than Brodie, is an interesting one. It calls into question whether Brodie wanted to stay a Flame. I think the Flames made a statement about why they lost last year, putting it on the defensive core as a whole.
With Tanev, the Flames get a nasty stay-home defenceman who will make a difference in the defensive zone coverage. There is no doubt the Flames lose on the offensive side with Brodie, but maybe they have addressed a massive defensive hole in their own end. The Dallas Stars exposed the Flames' inadequate defence unmercifully; the Flames felt they had to address it in the offseason. No, this was not all on Brodie, but you have to start somewhere, and this was the first step.
Game 6 cost Talbot his chances of coming back to Calgary for sure. The Flames have been having trouble with consistency in goaltending for years, and game 6 was the last straw. Enter Jacob Markstrom, all-star extraordinaire from the Vancouver Canucks. Jacob is cashing in from his (put in non-family-rated classifier here) extraordinary year. He was outstanding—superhuman even. He had his best save percentage in his career ringing it in at 918. Talking about Mr. Consistency, Markstrom has a save percentage of 913 for the previous five seasons, compared to Rittich, who has a 908 save percentage. Markstrom was outstanding in the playoffs giving the Canucks a chance to win every night. The Flames have not had a goalie who gave them a chance to win every night since Kipper.
There is still work to be done. The Flames still have not addressed the top six issues. We lack a top sniper who could match Gaudreau. Everyone has put the responsibility on the shoulders of Gaudreau, which happens when you're the best player; it is par for the course. In his defence, we have not really given him a number one centre. What really worries me is that Brad might be done. If he is, then this is a considerable failure.
Yes, it that time of year for me to look crazy. It is otherwise known as the Calgary Flames draft blog. My favourite time of year; I try to predict who the Flames are going to pick and always get wrong.
Calgary Flames First Round
19 Jacob Perreault Right-Wing
Jacob is an offensive centre who will put up some numbers. Known for his passing skills and has excellent vision. He is a terrific skater and a finisher around the net. Motivated and the player who wants the puck when the moment counts.
2nd Round
49 Topi Niemelä Defence
Topi is a solid defenceman with some offensive skills behind. He has a good stick with the poke check. Niemela has as an excellent shot from the point. He is willing to block the shot and does what it takes to get the puck out of the zone.
75 Maxim Groshev RW
Maxim is a typical highly skilled right-winger the Flames so desperately need. An accurate passer who threads the needle when required. He attacks the net with his presence and will get his share of garbage goals. He is a highly-skilled forward but might need some help in the defensive zone.
The rest
I am just listing the players from the 4th to the 7th
The Flames have to make some decisions in the locker room as the UFA'S are climbing up, especially on the blue line: Travis Hamonic, Derek Forbert, Michael Stone, and TJ Brodie are free to test the market. So who do we keep and to who do say adieu?
Travis Hamonic
I do not think we have much choice on this one; Travis is testing the market. I think he wants to be closer to home. I expect Hammer to sign in the Peg (Jets). The Flames are going to miss him, but I think he has run his course in Calgary.
TJ Brodie
If the Flames can afford to keep him, I think they might. The problem is, I think TJ has priced himself out of the Calgary market. The Flames really need to keep one of these defencemen; I am hoping it's TJ.
Derek Fobert
He is what he is: a fifth or sixth defenceman. Manageable, but easily replaced. I suspect the Flames are planning to go young, so I am not expecting Fobert to come back. Strangers things have happened, though.
Michael Stone
Stone has no desire to come back and his services will no longer be required. I would be shocked if he signs here. However, he is feasible as a number seven.
Last word
The Flames are active, as we all have heard, looking for a new goalie. Expect them to be clearing space if they feel they can sign Hall. Fasten your seatbelt—I am expecting a fun ride.
With the hiring of Geoff Ward back as the head coach, the Flames are signalling they do not want to put the moola into a coach. I will be honest: I wanted Laviolette, who took his act to Washington. With this hiring of Geoff Ward, it is thought that the Flames may not part with Gaudreau. Some people think that maybe the Flames Management thinks they are closer to winning the championship than most of us.
I will say this; Ward brings with him a familiarity with the players. This move also gives the players confidence that the ownership is behind them. I mean, it might provide them with the chance to finish what they started—Management is showing that they liked what they saw in Ward. As I said earlier, the cynic in me thinks the Flames did not want to put the bucks into coaching.
Then there are the rumours the Flames are going after the Coyote goalie, Darcy Kuemper. Then Flames' goaltending troubles are well-known, as the meltdown in game six against the Stars exhibited. That might have ended the talks between Talbot and the Flames.
Speaking of Gaudreau, there is some chatter that the Flames could go with all offence. Could the Flames fit Hall and Gaudreau? If that happens, Brodie and Hammer will be departing. I question the logic of keeping Monahan, Gaudreau, and Hall.
Last word
The Flames would love Connor Mackey and Juuso Valimaki to step in now. They might just bring in a new goalie and sign a big name forward. They also have Kylington and Yelesin if they chose to use them. The point is, they may want to give the young legs a chance to run with the puck. Or should I say, skate with it.
As we enter this wacky offseason, none of us know what to expect. Will we have fans or not? How long will the season be? Will it be another bubble season or will the teams be travelling? What we do know is that there is an NHL Draft scheduled for October 6th-7th. The Free Agent Frenzy was moved up to October 9th because the teams need something to do. Of course, I am being factious. I have no idea why they moved it up.
Some teams will be scrambling to stay under the cap. Others, like Montreal and Ottawa, will be opening up for business. The management of every team is trying to nail down what kind of team they want? I am not sure every team knew who they were, much less how to win a championship in this environment. If you don't know what kind of team you want, how can you expect success?
Brad Treliving's future may be on the line. It is vital for the Flames to get this offseason right. Brad Treliving: The Clock is Ticking
Flames management has to figure what kind of coach they want. Picking the right coach for the team is a process; that is why it is so vital for the Flames to come to a landing on this team's direction.
Picking a coach will ultimately determine the fate of Gaudreau. In order for the Flames to make a decision on Gaudreau, the new coach's hiring process should be done or close to it.
This offseason is short, so time is of the essence.
The hottest topic among Flames fans at the moment is what the Flames will do with Johnny Gaudreau (who will be known as Johnny Hockey from now on.) It is almost like an election. Wait—this is not democracy. The Flames don't care what the fans want. Sometimes I think we would be better off if they did. But I digress. Back to the real focus of this blog.
The Flames have been a colossal disappointment all season. We know that this core can't do what it takes to get us to the promised land.
It is time for a change. This franchise has gone stagnant. Whether or not it is fair, Johnny Gaudreau is always under scrutiny.
The Cons of Trading Johnny Gaudreau
Johnny is a very talented hockey player, and they don't grow on trees. Losing an arguably top-ten player can be catastrophic. Who will pick up the slack in the offence?
The second con is, how is this going to affect Monahan? Sometimes you have to worry about a player's ego and baby him a little. Monahan's season may even get worse without Gaudreau. Who is going to feed him the puck? Monahan stats will take it a hit. It will take him a while to get used to a new linemate. You have to consider moving Monahan, which could be a huge undertaking.
The third con is that you are not going to get an equal trade. If a team gives you an equal left-winger, they will consider that a lateral move, meaning the trade will not improve their team. You know that the team will not be better after this trade.
The Pros of Trading Gaudreau
Johnny is the star of the team. He is the greatest bang for your buck. There is no doubt Johnny will get you the most significant return in a deal. You will get three assets back in a trade. The Flames need help in the prospect pool and help in the defensive core. They will get that and more in a trade involving Johnny.
This team is in dire need of a shakeup. There is no greater shakeup than trading the star of the team. The Flames lack an identity; it's time to remedy that. They are only as good as their best star, and he is not getting it done. It might not be fair, but when things go wrong, the star gets the blame. It is a fact of life, just like death and taxes.
Last word
One thing is for sure—the Flames need a change. Tinkering is just not going to cut it. I would love to see a total rebuild. I know that will never happen, so that I will settle for a retool.
Let's play General Manager. Don't tell me you guys have never wished to be the General Manager? Who hasn't thought about what they would do if they were in charge? So today, we discuss who wins the coaching job, because we all fired Ward.
Peter Laviolette
Peter is on the top of the list of every team that is looking. He is a winner wherever he coaches. He coached the Canes to the cup in '05. Peter is a defence-first coach; he will drill into this team to be smart out there. The Flames need a system that works.
Michel Therrien
Michael is a veteran coach with the Pens and Habs. Michel has coached the Pens for four years. Therrien coached the Habs two different terms, the first a three-year term and the next being a five-year term. Eight years of a no-nonsense head coach. In contrast, the Flames have allowed the inmates to run the asylum.
Dan Bylsma
Dan is the head coach of Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres. Dan was the head coach of the Stanley Cup Champion Pens in 2008-2009. Dan is the coach of the young players. He is known for being a strict but fair coach.
Bruce Boudreau
Coach of hard knocks Bruce runs a tight ship. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that is is the captain. Bruce has a solid hockey mind. He appeals to the real men. Fans will love Boudreau; he will be the man everyone pulls for.
Last Word
The Calgary Flames are in no hurry to make changes. Gaudreau and Monahan are saying they don't want to leave. I think they doth protest too much. It is all about playing the game. Each team has their public relations people prepping them what to say. The bottom line is, Gaudreau is only getting traded if we can get a package to help with the future and now. Get used to having him around.
I was just going to leave asterisks in the title and let you use your imaginations. I was going to call it 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover. In essence, ways for the Flames to part ways with their core.
Then I said to myself I have to be professional. Wait—I really don't have to. Hence the title Dumpster Fire.
I understand everyone's frustration, but leaving the team in Edmonton is too cruel. No one deserves that. But I digress; what can be done? First of all, you have to go about this logically. Trading players away just for the sake of trading them is not going to work. Secondly, the knee jerk method "fire everyone" can't automatically be put into action. Even though I feel that cleaning house is the best option, I do not think the Flames will use it.
The team must also figure out whether to retool or rebuild.
Here is a quote coming from an avid Flames fan on what the Flames need:
"The GM failed big time in getting a number one goalie and, more important, an elite coach."
I concur with that, and I also feel the team has failed in getting a number one centre.
Johnny Gaudreau
Again, people, I can't use that kind of language in my blog!
Johnny has two years left in his deal. He is Calgary's best bargaining chip. He has one of the best contracts in the NHL. Love him, or hate him; everyone knows he is worth more than $6.75 million. Johnny Gaudreau is good for nearly a point a game All selling points if you put him on the market.
Sean Monahan
Sean is a second-line centre who will get you 60 to 70 points a season. Known for his quick release, especially his wrister. Of course, he is the Flames' number one centre and they will want the first-line centre package in return. No chance they get it. The better option might be to hang on to him and keep him as a second-line centre.
Here is another quote from a fan, a thought I think is running rampant among Flames fans.
"Why are we talking dumping Monahan or Gaudreau? The Flames should dump them both disappear during the playoffs anyways. He says, "The Flames should start looking at players who perform in the playoffs who know how to win."
There are some good assets to hang onto. Among the forwards, of course, we have Matthew Tkachuk, Dillon Dube, the bead man Andrew Mangiapane. Of course, the biggest is Sam Bennett, who raised his stock considerably. To a lesser degree, Elias Lingholm and Mickael Backlund. There is hope from the farm, left wing Jakob Pelletier and centre Martin Pospisil, who could be traded if it really meant bringing in a player. I would prefer that the Flames do not go that route, and hang onto the prospects.
Goaltending Woes
Everyone knows the Flames have two number two quality backups. The problem is trying to find a number one in the market. The talk of the town is the late-round pick, Dustin Wolf. His lateral movement is bar none. He fights through screens and follows the puck well. Dustin is still a few years away, though. Find out more on our goalie panel blog.
The two most prominent names in the goalie market are Lehner and Holtby.
The defense is stable enough, with Rasmus Andersson getting ready to take over the number one position. Juuso Valimaki will be healthy and should be able to take one of the spots. Hannifin has to improve. If the Flames chose to let Hammer and Brodie go, Kylington and Yeltsin will be in the picture.
We do have some exciting prospects in the future. Connor Mackey and Colton Poolman have tons of potential.
And there are many challenges in trying to find a player who knows how to win and a number one goalie. Yeah, good luck.
