The Calgary Flames’ “We’re Rebiggling” Playbook

Sometimes it’s really hard to stay professional. I want to have a total temper tantrum, but I am not a fan, I am a blogger. So I must breathe deeply, put on my big boy pants, and figure this out logically.

As a Flames fan, you know what I am referring to, unless you are living under a rock. Frankly, if you were living under a rock, maybe find that rock and go back under it. That wasn’t very professional, was it? I guess I just do not have the knack of being tactful.  

I am, of course, referring to the latest transaction of the Calgary Flames, or as I refer to it, the Vegas Golden Knights' chance to win the Stanley Cup. Oh, I shouldn’t have said it; it doesn’t make me professional. Okay, time to take this bull by the horns.

The Calgary Flames perspective is easy to understand as long as you can find an interpreter who knows jibber jabber. Luckily, my wife understands me when I talk, so she interprets the Calgary Flames jibber jabber perfectly.  

Here is her interpretation of what the Flames said:

“We, as the Flames, felt we needed to get younger and build for the future while staying competitive. We felt the trade met all the criteria for our needs. We are undergoing a rebiggle and you will completely understand what we are doing in three weeks. We live to serve all of our rebigglers. Please be patient at this time.

There will be a Kumbaya concert served with milk and cookies for the media after the press conference.”

Unfortunately, when you translate jibber jabber, you get back more jibber jabber. Sorry about that; we did not get much to work with. She did say the dialogue is open to much interpretation.

Final word

The trade with Rasmus Andersson has now concluded. The Flames directed attention to Kadri and Coleman. That does not necessarily mean they will both be traded. They may well flip Whitecloud at the deadline. Plus, keep in mind the Flames might not stop their rebiggling, which has no bounds. Remember, this is business first, sport second.

Randy 

Play GM: What Should Calgary Ask for Andersson?

There has been a lot of nothing happening with the transactions involving Kadri, Coleman, and Rasmus Andersson. 

I am sure the Flames have been listening to offers for Andersson, but nothing has come close to what they have asked for. I have heard so many different rumours about the asking price. Hockey is a business of who to keep and who to trade. Let’s try to play GM and trade Rasmus Andersson, shall we? There are two scenarios if we trade him. What is your asking price for  Andersson? If you are on the side of keeping him, what would you be willing to spend?

What is the price? What do you want to give Andersson? 

So what is the price for a top four defencemen? Before we answer, let’s go over the stats. Andersson has 10 goals and 19 assists for a total of 29 points. He is on pace for 51 points, which would beat his career year of 50. He has 3 goals and 9 assists on the power play. So, how valuable is a #2 dman, and possibly a power play quarterback? Keep in mind he is pure rental, so they won’t get as much as if he had been in terms. They want 3 pieces. I suspect they settle on a  #1 pick and a high prospect.

Show me the money 

Negotiations started ugly, with reports of $3 million a part. Keep in mind the contract Broberg signed with the Blues six years ago for $48 million, which works out to 8 million a year. I feel Andersson is better, so you have to go $8 million plus. I am looking at $8.5 million plus. Would you do it? Some of you may not think that Broberg is comparable to Andersson and keep it at $8 million. That is fair to say.  

Final word 

Blake Coleman is connected to Montreal. What is the asking price? Are we getting a first-rounder? The Flames want a first-rounder; whether they get one is the question. The more I hear, the more I think he stays. Kadri has no desire to leave; they will only trade him if they get blown away. 

Of course, the latest says Andersson has played his last game as a Calgary Flame. Let me go on record: the Flames will regret this. Andersson might very well get his cup before we do.

Randy  

Home Heat: How the Flames Are Beating the League’s Best at the Saddledome

Devin Cooley

The athletic netminder signed a two-year contract for $1.35 mm. For two years. His ability to handle the pressure and keep himself under control gives the Flames a chance to win every night. Devin’s two biggest strengths are his quickness laterally and his glove hand. His 2.40 goals against average and 914 save percentage ain’t too shabby either.

Now that the business is out of the way, the Tank Nation is taking a beating as the Flames have been quite the challenge at home. They have defeated the likes of the Oilers, Knights, Wild, and, of course, the Stars. The predominant factor is the re-emergence of MacKenzie Weeger. He seems to be back to himself.

Michael Backlund

Backlund has been on a tear lately, filling the net. He and Coleman have become quite the dynamic duo. Backlund is a valuable asset, the perfect third-line centre. He is a reliable defensive centerman with offensive punch. He is the picture of the true Mr. Flame.

Rasmus Andersson

Rasmus continues to be a leader on this defense. He is upping his trade value with each outing. The only thing to update is the number of teams he is attracting. What is making Andersson more valuable is his hockey IQ. He is playing smarter out there, creating scoring chances rather than committing defensive lapses at the other end.

Final Word

The Rasmus Andersson market could get more complicated if the Flames continue to improve in the new year. The Flames may be looking for a young player who can play now in the return package. They may not get it, but you can bet they will ask.

There may be as many teams inquiring about Andersson as there are about Blake Coleman. Blake is on a 30-goal pace, which is very appealing to teams. A defensive juggernaut who can score 20-30 goals is very valuable.

Randy