Crossroads

Crossroad #1 Johnny Gaudreau

The Flames are coming to crossroads; the Gaudreau contract expires at the end of this season. The major roadblock is that Gaudreau does not want contracts negotiations to continue during the season. If that persists, there has to be a point where the Flames have to address the Gaudreau contract talks. 

The way I see it, they have three options. 

(1) Keep Gaudreau and have a chance to lose him for nothing. 

(2) Trade Gaudreau for a rebuild and collect as many assets as you can get.  

(3) Ask Gaudreau to reopen the negotiations and pay the man.  

I have changed my opinion on the Gaudreau situation. Previously, I was all for a Gaudreau trade. But with the way he has been playing, I would love the Flames to re-sign him. 

So, I choose number three. But I am not sure Gaudreau wants to discuss the contract until the off-season. If he refuses, then the Flames have to use one of the first two options. Whether the Flames are close to a playoff or fading will shape which option the Flames will take.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Crossroad #2 Oliver Kylington

Oliver has been on a roll of late. Oliver is on a career year right in time for his RFA. Oliver has been the story of the year so far. I love the way he plays. He is becoming a very good young dman. He picks the right times to pitch in and speed to the offence. If he continues to play as he has, the Flames may have to shed some coin to re-sign the soon-to-be RFA.

Crossroad #3 Juuso Välimäki

Juuso came out with some not-so-complimentary comments about not playing lately. Jusso has been in out for ten games in a row. Either he is not very good, or he is stubborn and is unwilling to change his play. Or maybe the coaches have not been clear enough about what is expected of him.  

What is clear is that the Juuso situation has come to a head. How will the Flames handle it? I predict his days are numbered.

Crossroad #4 Darth Vladar

Vladar has proven his worth as an NHL-caliber goalie. His play of late has been outstanding. In the game in Toronto, Vladar stole the point, making save after save. Russ Cohen @sportsology on Twitter said something along the lines of, "The Flames don't drop a beat with Vladar in the net." Strong praise considering how well Markstrom has played this season.

The Flames are coming to several crossroads. It will be interesting to watch which forks in the road they will take.

Randy

Ugly

Sean Monahan has been struggling; that is an understatement. But before we all jump all over Monahan, realize he has lost a long-time buddy  Gaudreau as a linemate. Monahan needs a playmaker to feed him. 

The Flames feel that Monahan needs to step it up.  But when you lose a top linemate like Gaudreau, it is hard to adjust. For Monahan to succeed, he has to dig in the corner, fight for the puck, and be a leader. Sutter seems to think Monahan is just going through the motions. A direct quote from my source: he "Did not notice Monahan once in the game against the Oilers."  What does Monahan need to do to get noticed?  He needs to get more involved offensively. The Flames are not an offensive powerhouse. The top six have to contribute, as the Flames' secondary scoring is not good enough to bail them out. 

Monahan has not been alone in his lacklustre performance. The Flames have been sloppy through the first few games. My number one concern is that they have been outworked for the puck. The Sutter influence has been missing with this team. They are going through the motions, playing not to lose instead of playing to win. The Flames are not the most talented team in the league; they have succeeded with hard work, doing what it takes. The Flames have to score the garbage goals. What I mean by garbage goals is going to the net looking for the puck. They make too many clear shots, making it too easy for goalies to see the puck. The forwards must get in front of the nets to make it hard for the opposing goalie to see the puck. 

The Flames also have to be better defensively. There are too many scoring chances. I know it is easy to pick on the defence, but the forwards have to do their part. It is common knowledge that the Flames have a slow defence; the forward has to pitch in with defensive coverage. There will be defensive gaps. Someone has to be there to bail them out. So far, the forwards have not. 

NHL Legend Hakan Loob

 

Legend week continues. I hope you have enjoyed reading about these legends (On Flamestr's Thoughts) as much as I have enjoyed writing them. This week's nominee is Hakan Loob of the Stanley Cup champions Calgary Flames. Hakan Loob is my favourite Flames player of all time. 

I love his speed as he created havoc in the offensive zone. Defencemen would be intimidated by his speed, automatically backing up as he entered the zone. His stickhandling was immaculate, along with his passing, which was among the league's best. He was in on the last goal of Lanny Mcdonald's career.

Hakan was the kind of player who goes about his game without anyone noticing him. Hakan played in all aspects of the Flames game, especially the penalty kill because of his speed. He took pride in his defensive game and was an all-around solid player for the Flames. 

Hakan Loob Scores 50

Hakan Loob was the first Swede to score 50 goals in a season. In the 1987-88 season, Loob led the Flames with 106 points, including 50 goals. He would end his career with style as a Stanley Cup Champion. Hakan had a shortened NHL career, as he chose to finish his career playing at home in Sweden. 

Originally blogged at Flamestr's Thoughts

Flames speculation: looking forward

When I asked about the numbers on Johnny's new contract, the only reply I got back was speculative. $8-8.5 million is the best guess at the number Johnny started with. The speculation of the Flames' number is suspected to be around $7.5 million. I suspect Gaudreau will settle for a little under $8 million. But this is only speculation. 

Pros: Why the Flames should pay the coin 

Johnny has been the man for years. He is vital to the team's powerplay. He is by far the best playmaker. The Flames can make changes without trading Gaudreau. Keeping the franchise player is essential to a team's success.

Cons: Why not to pay the piper

The Calgary Flames have been stagnant for what seems to be 25 years. They have threatened to make changes year after year, yet have done nothing. What is the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results!

Maybe the team has begun to make changes with the hiring of Mr. Sutter as head coach. That tells the team there is no more standing around. It is time for hard work. Daryl will get rid of all freeloaders.  

What the Flames want

Here is a hint. As a GM, it is your job to listen to all options. The Flames are denying that they have Gaudreau on the market. So he may not be on the market, but the Flames have a package they would consider. They need a forward who can perform in the playoffs. Someone with a Stanley Cup ring on his finger. They will probably get a pick and maybe even a prospect in the package. The Flames might try to work out a sign and a trade to get a better package. 

Flames shore up the Defence

 

The Flames avoided arbitration with Nikita Zadorov, signing him to a one-year contract of $3.75 million for one year.

They also signed Jusso Valimaki to a two-year deal. $1.55 million AAV.

Randy.

Calgary Flames draft day

Well, it is that time of the year. Time to make a fool of myself. It seems to happen every year, yet here I am doing it again. This year's draft is a total craps shoot because of the pandemic. It's hard to find info on the players. So here is my guess. I am going on the positions they need to fill, not personalities. 

First Round 

Fabian Lysell - Right Wing

Fabien is a highly-skilled forward who can skate through a phone booth. His puck-handling skills are amazing. He is a game-changer. He is a playmaker who can score goals at will. The Flames badly need a top-six right winger for years; he is the answer to Flames fans' prayers.

Second Round

45 Samuel Helenius - Centre

Samuel is a big centre who loves getting his nose dirty. He loves the rough game and is willing to fight for the puck around the boards to get his garbage share. Samuel also has an excellent wrist shot. Flames could use his size at centre, as we lack size in the pivotal centre spot.

For the next picks, I am just going to list the names of the players.

Third Round

77 Kirill Kirsanov - Defence

Fourth Round

84 Aleksi Heimosalmi - Defence 

Fifth Round

141 Marc Lajoie - Defence

Sixth Round

173 Zack Stringer - Left Wing

Seventh Round 

205 Paul Davy - Centre

Do you remember?

Today is the anniversary of some event.  I know it's not my wedding anniversary because my wife has not thrown me out. I know it isn't my son's birthday because he has not come up to me asking for his gifts. I know it's not Christmas because we don't have a tree up. Gees, I wonder what it could be?  Oh yes, the Stanley Cup came a-visiting. 

I remember it has something to do with Lanny McDonald. He did something on this day. Didn't he score some significant goal?  It was the last goal Lanny would ever score. Fans believed it would be the last game he would ever play. What a way to go out. 

The game clock couldn't go fast enough in the third period. I was sweating bullets. Then Doug Gilmour scores by batting the puck between Roy's pads, otherwise known as the five-hole, to make it 3-1. 

Then the worst non-call ever, I thought. Claude Lemieux had run over Vernon and there was no call. I was flabbergasted, waving my hands and calling the refs every name in the book. I might have needed some blood pressure pills.

Then Gilmour scored the empty net goal. I could finally breathe. We were finally the Stanley cup champions.  Cheers for the memories. 

What to do Next: Gaudreau Update

This year has been a disaster. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. We have all seen this movie before. You would think the Flames would know this script and maybe change it up a bit. It is like they don't believe they need to change. When the teams fail over and over to meet expectations, usually the coach gets the axe. This year was no exception. Mr. Ward got the axe, and in came Mr. Daryl Sutter. With Sutter, we got to see heads roll. Players were motivated to play winning hockey, and the players did perform... for about four games. Then the old habits began to rear their ugly heads, and sure enough, the team fell into that dark hole otherwise known as oblivion. If you like Star Trek: there seems to be a rip in the space-time continuum. 

The first problem the Flames have had is automatically firing coaches and not looking at the root of the problem. I am not saying keeping Ward would have been the solution; I am saying you have the right players for the coach. If you bring in a disciplinarian, you need the players who will respond to him. Or, as my hero of Stampede wrestling days, Ed Whalen, says, "What we have here is a malfunction at the junction." A coach's job to put his players in the best position for success. For Sutter to achieve his goals, he must have Sutter players.  

When a team fails to reach its ultimate goal, it is easy to blame the players. And that is what management does when hiring a new coach does not produce results. Like it or not, the first place they look is the core of the roster. To keep with the Star Trek theme, it is only logical.   

Our Captain is at the age where he needs more help in the leadership role. I see too many passengers and not enough leaders on this team. What they need is a young Lucic with some skill who can learn from Milan. Sutter knows this team needs some players who know how to win. More Gios and Milans. The only way there going to get those kinds of players is trading talent back. 

Will this be the year Gaudreau is moved? Will the Flyers find a way? Will the Islanders or Rangers make a run at Gaudreau? Or do the Flames try to keep Johnny and consider dealing Monahan? The most likely choice is Gaudreau because the return is higher. Although, one can argue more teams are looking for a Centre.  I could see the Rangers and Canadiens looking at Monahan. Only time will tell. The Flames will be busy around the draft. Rumour is, they would like to clear up some salary in the off-season. 

Randy

Not to belabour the point, but...

The trade deadline is coming

I could go into exactly what went wrong this season, but that is like beating a dead horse. 

I could tell you the Flames look like the Keystone Cops, but I don't want to go over that again. 

I could tell you the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting different results. 

But I am too good for that. Or am I? Okay, enough of the buffoonery on with the blog. With Canada approving the seven-day quarantine, the Flames doing something before the deadline becomes a real possibility. 

I am not saying it will happen; I am saying there is a possibility. It might happen. 

Johnny Gaudreau

The only way Gaudreau goes is if the Flames get blown away. Johnny's contract is one of the best in the league, and he is under contract for another year. He is also one of the most talented forwards in the league when motivated. The problem is keeping him motivated to lead them to the promised land. 

Sean Monahan

The next trade opportunity is Sean Monahan. The problem is that Sean's value is not exactly high. I also think Sean would be more willing to re-sign than Johnny at this point. Sean has not been fantastic this year, failing to live up to expectations this season.  

The other option is a series of smaller trades of the players whose contracts expire this year.

Derek Ryan

Derek might be the best option from the expiring contracts. He is a fourth-line centre who is excellent on the faceoff. He would help with the team's penalty kill and be on the ice to protect the lead last minute. 

David Rittich 

Rittich is a capable backup goalie. A few teams in the NHL are looking for a third goalie and would consider David an upgrade. I am not sure whether the Flames are planning on re-signing him. They may consider dealing him at the deadline. 

Those are the top options. The Flames could trade Backlund or Bennett. They have tried to trade Sam Bennett, but the offers have been underwhelming, to say the least. Teams would balk at Backlund's cap of $5 million. Leivo and Nordstrom are also on expiring contracts, but do not draw much interest. Nesterov on defence could be a bargaining chip as a number seven dman.  

Randy

Team's Heart is Lacking (Humor blog)

Warning, this blog contains humour. If you are allergic to humour or have lost your sense of humour with regard to the Flames, please do not proceed. 

You have been warned.

Should we be questioning whether the Flames have lost their heart? There is a lack of intensity in the Calgary Flames' play this season. They are like zombies out there, playing without any concern for the outcome. One of my pet peeves is when players are only playing for their paycheques. 

Their heart has pretty much given out. The Flames Management recently lashed out at the media for questioning the character of the team. Do you remember the cell phone commercial that said, "How about now?" You have to respect Lucic for coming out and defending the coach and saying it is a problem with the players. Now hear me out; yes, I believe that Ward should not be head coach. But that does not give the players permission to be bumps on a log. The core players have not shown they have the fortitude it takes to be winners.  

The root of the Flames' derailment is twofold. Firstly, the players are not on board with what the coach is teaching. Secondly, they lack the desire to win. Once a coach losses a room, the players turn off the ears. They become the Keystone Cops. Coaches run around looking like chickens with their heads cut off. Players have their fingers in their ears, singing la la la. The General Manager is sucking his thumb in the corner, saying, "I want my mummy."

Judging by past experience, sooner or later, Management will give players a time out. You know, sitting in the corner. Just ask Sam Bennett. Coaches will become tyrants, telling players to get with the program or become the Sam Bennetts of the world. If that doesn't work, they will threaten the players' job security. You know—the dreaded taxi squad. Players will respond by demanding trades or head butting walls. They will start fighting with each other, each sending his dad against the other dads. The prima donnas, feeling they should get special treatment, will demand to have their nails done. 

Management will then resort to doing a minor transaction to get the players in line—the dreaded shake-up trade. The Calgary Flames will then see if the team gels. As a source told me. "Every General Manager is allowed one coach change before he gets the heat put to his feet." He went on to say, "Brad will take his time before giving Coach Ward his walking papers. No GM wants to fire anyone. But he doesn't want his job on the line either." It is called Covered Butt Syndrome; otherwise known as the General Manager's contract. 

That may be cynical, but apparently, it is the unwritten code by which the general manager lives (and dies). Brad will fire Ward only as a last resort.  

Yes, this blog may have gotten a little facetious, but you get the point—this team is a mess. Until the General Manager addresses the issues, the team's course has been set. 

Randy

Issues need a-fixin'

Let me start with this: I do not have any inside info with regard to this blog. Now that I have said that, you all can slam me as much as you want. I have significant concerns with this team's work ethic. It is like they do not think they need to skate.

I can understand the eviction of Coach Ward. I agree that Ward has lost some of the dressing room, but let me add: how much of the blame does Brad Treliving get? The main problem is trying to spread out the responsibility on this team. Treliving's biggest failure is in getting the right-winger to accommodate Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. In Brad's defence, there is not enough money to spread around. I can hear everyone screaming at me; now, who's fault is that? My biggest problem is that they have not fixed this issue in the last three years. I don't count 2014 because that was supposed to be a rebuilding year. 

You can argue that Brad's distribution of the cap has flaws. The Backlund contract of $5 million for the next four years is a sore point. Don't get me wrong; Backlund is a useful player, but he would be a more helpful player at $3.5-4 million. Derek Ryan is one of the best fourth-line centers in the League. Again it is his $3.125 Cap hit. In my estimate, most fourth-line centres make around $700K to $1.8 million. Derek is one of the best, so give him $1.8 million.  

On the other hand, Brad made a huge splash by signing Jacob Markstrom for six @ $6 million. So give him credit for that one. He also signed Christopher Tanev for $4.5 million for four years. Most Flames fans hemmed and hawed, but what sold me was the improved play of Noah Hannifin. So Brad gets a pass on that one.

Ward might in trouble with this team. The problem is the system. What is the Flames' identity? Most people complain that Ward mixes up the lines so that no one knows their linemates. Do not get me started why Bennett was sent down to the fourth line. If you are going to capitulate and move him to the top-6 forward to prove himself, don't put him back to the fourth line after playing his best hockey of the season. What kind of message is that? If he has earned the top-6 minutes, give him the top-6 minutes. 

Last but not least, some of this has to be on the players. Stop playing like the world owes you something, and start playing like you owe the world something.  

Randy