34th Street meets Elm Street

So yesterday was nothing special. Not like anything significant happened, right?

Just a little dash of humour.

Let's talk about the  Milan Lucic for James  Neal. I had some time to think about why the Flames executed the deal. I understand it, but I don't like it.

Nightmare on Elm Street - Trading Neal for Lucic

What does Milan Lucic bring to the Flames? When I  asked my source, he said, "Milan gives us a different dimension, something this team has not had for some time." Milan is a true power forward who can get the garbage goals." Take it for what it is worth; the Flames lack toughness. They got pushed around too much last season. The coaching staff felt the Flames lacked leadership; a player who will do what it takes to win. They love Lucic's attitude. He is a player's player. He will lead by example.

He asked me what I thought of the trade. My response: "I did not like it at first. But now I understand it. Lucic will help the powerplay and give us a big body in front of the net. It is a fresh start for both players and both teams. Neal will produce at a higher rate in Edmonton. Lucic will perform better than in the past few years, so it will help the Flames also.

My initial thoughts on the deal

I  will be honest. My first reaction that it was like getting a kick in the teeth. That is the main reason I put off the blog for a day. I was looking at the stats. But the stats did not tell the full story. My heart understands Lucic putting too much pressure on himself, but my head says that is why he gets the big bucks. It comes down to my feeling that Neal has more potential than Lucic. I understand the transaction, but I still don't like the trade. Whether Lucic succeeds or not depends on how he handles the pressure in Calgary.

What does this have to do with Bennett?

I wish I had some insight here. What it comes down to is that the Flames are trying to keep Bennett. The main problem is that there are not too many other options.   The potential to trade Brodie is there, but the Flames are asking a lot, and teams feel it is too much. There is the option, of course, of Stone being bought out. But the Flames prefer the trade. That pretty much leaves Bennet in limbo with no place to go.

Miracle on 34th Street: The new building announcement

The Flames and the City are close to getting a new arena. It is nice to see the parties coming to a tentative agreement. A new arena will make it easier to entice players to come to Calgary. According to the Flames, they were never leaving Calgary. This is just one step closer to getting our fans into an arena that works for everyone.

The Flames needed the new arena for the suites; it will bring in more revenue. And like I say, players will want to come here. The finalization of terms should take about six months and construction could begin by the spring.

One final word

What is going on with Tkachuk?  Nothing new to report here. My source says when it is done, it is done.  It is close, but sometimes when it is close, there is still a lot of work to be done. There are no worries, though.

So far this season, the Flames edition

The Flames seem to be trying to find a way to sign Tkachuk. They feel things will progress quickly on Matthew. It is the term that they are working on now.

Same old, same old. Tkachuk appears to want a five-year term, but the Flames aren't interested in only five years — they are more interested in buying some free agency time. Tkachuk wants freedom as fast as he can get it. The Flames are trying to slow down the process.

The situation reminds me somewhat of an overprotective parent clipping their wings of the child trying to move out. The bright side is that Tkachuk is trying to prove his loyalty by turning down all offer sheets and saying he wants to stay. The other good news is that the parties are close enough on the cap issue. They are just working on the term. Then there is the human issue, meaning if there is a way to screw up, they will find a way. You know, like a husband trying to find an anniversary gift; it is not a matter of whether it will be bad, but of how bad the gift will be.

FLAMES QUALIFY FOR THE SECOND BUY OUT WINDOW

Thanks to David Rittich, Sam Bennett, Ryan Limberg, and Rinat Valiev filing for arbitration, the Flames can exercise the second buy-out in August. There is a feeling the Flames knew this was going to happen, so there was no hurry to buy out Stone. The Flames are not commenting on that. Of course, why would they? That is over a month away. It might be handy down the stretch. I suspect that the Flames are happy with the defence. If they had planned on buying out Stone, they would have done it the first buy-out period.  

BRODIE NOT BEING SHOPPED

Fans take everything out of context. If there is a deal to be had, the Flames will explore it, but they are not doing a deal if it doesn't help the team. That pretty much says that they are listening on Brodie, but not necessarily shopping him. Of course, a trade has to happen to fit in the RFA's; they are just in no hurry.

THE GOALIE ISSUE 

The goalie tandem is Talbot and Rittich. But there is another goalie on the payroll. If my research is correct, Jon Gillies is on a one-way contract, which begs the question of what are going to do with him. There is one option waiving him; they already said they are not planning out on using the second buy-out window. Of course, the second option is the trade route. Expect this to addressed closer to the end of the season.

FINAL WORD

The Flames won't make any plans on buy-outs or moving salary until they know more where guys are going to come in cap wise.

The Flames have some essential free agents right now, and that is the top priority.

Calgary Flames Picks

Reblogged from Flamestr's Thoughts

Okay, it is time for me to make a fool of myself. Yes, time for me to put on my imaginary Calgary GM hat and pretend to know what I am doing.  If I were a Flames GM, I would want a top-six forward.  But picking at number 26 makes it difficult to achieve that goal.

So the Flames have to find a diamond in the rough.  The Flames would love to draft Brett Leason, but I have it on good authority he won't be there. The Islanders are in dire need of a power forward, so I am sure Brett will be gone before the Flames' first pick.

So eliminating Leason, what players might still be available?

27. Connor McMichael, Forward/Centre/Wing

Connor is a versatile forward who can play centre and wing. He can be used in all aspects of the game. Connor has great instincts,  great hands and a terrific shot. Connor has some nifty moves and is capable of making a play out of nothing.  The Flames like their forwards to play more than one position and will love his versatility.

88. Nando Eggenberger, Wing

Eggenberger is a big, strong winger.  The Flames need to get bigger up front.  Nando is not the most skilled forward, but he could develop into a solid third line winger willing get his hands dirty.

Here are my other picks without explanation:

116 William Constantinou - defence
150 Mattias Norlinder - defence
214 Brayden Guy - right winger

NHL Draft Predictions

It is like Christmas for an NHL Scout this time of year. This is where they earn their money.  What makes this time of year so amazing it is how one player can be rated so high by one team and so low by another.  There are so many things to consider when a team drafts a player. For instance, you would not think that a team interview could make or break an opportunity for the player.  But teams take this seriously. Players have a lot of questions to answer.

This is where player IQ comes into effect.  It is so tricky to predict the order of the draft. I have seen a player drop from 4 to number 10.

But let's take a shot at this anyway, shall we?

1. New Jersey Devils

Jack Hughes, Centre

Jack is a slick, playmaking centre. He can think on the fly, making plays out of nothing. Jack makes everyone around him better. He is willing to do what it takes to win. He passes with deadly accuracy, resulting in scoring chances and getting the puck out of danger.  He is an offensive dynamo who can change a game in an instant. A future linemate to Hall, if he is still there.

2. New York Rangers

Kaapo Kakko, Right Wing

Kappo is the player is closest to playing in the NHL right now. Kaapo is very strong and is hard to take off the puck. He has a dangerous slap shot and an even more scary snapshot. He's more of a complete player than most of the kids. He is quite capable in his zone. I love Kappo's hockey smarts. He has played with men, which makes him stronger. He takes a hit without crumbling.  He will not stand down in the middle of the net.

3. Chicago Black Hawks

Alex Turcotte, Centre

The Wings are in dire need of a prominent young centre with some offensive touch.  Enter Alex Turcotte, precisely what the doctor ordered. He is a quick-skating forward who can change directions on the spur of the moment. He is a smart centre with good hands. Steady on the puck. A future Kevin Hays with a little more scoring power.  The Wings would be very lucky to get him.

4. Colorado Avalanche 

Dylan Cozens, Centre/Right Wing

I personally like Dylan more than Alex, but the experts say I am wrong.

Dylan has a quick release on his shot. More impressive is his intensity at getting the puck and hanging on to it.  He has some *blank* and vinegar (family site).  He has a  chip on his shoulder and uses it to his advantage in advancing the puck. He is a smart player who handles all of his teammates. Dylan has a quick release, and his nasty play gets under the skin of the opposing team. More importantly, he has all the ability offensively to turn him into a Tasmanian devil with the ability to score.

5. LA Kings

Bowen Byram, Defenceman

Bowen is a highly-touted defenceman.  He will make the perfect partner for  Drew Doughty, who could mould him into a future top pairing defenceman.    Bryram has all the ability in offensive skill if he can upgrade his defensive play, he will be a player to watch in the future.

6. Detroit Red Wings

Vasili Podkolzin, Right Wing

The Wings can be patient. They are in the middle of a rebuild. Waiting two years should not bother them too much. Vasili is a future power forward who plays one way. Strong like an ox, with a fantastic shot, he can score anytime. He is a smart big player who uses his size to his advantage. He can cause havoc in the offensive zone because nobody can take him off the puck. Vasili takes the shortest route to success. A pure sniper who will be the perfect top 6 forward the Hawks so desperately need.

7. Buffalo Sabres

Kirby Dach, Centre/Right Wing

Kirby is a big skilled player, who plays with the best of them. He has all of the ability to be a great offensive player.  Kirby thinks offensively first. He knows how to score. For a man his size, he has surprisingly soft hands. His versatility is a massive advantage for the Sabres, who can use him at wing or centre.

8. Edmonton Oilers

Matthew Boldy, Right Wing/Left Wing

Matthew has a hockey IQ that always puts him in the right spot at the right time. He has terrific skill with his feet. He will get the defence to look at the puck and intimidate dmen with his skill. The Oilers love his versatility, of playing both wings. I was told the Oilers want to win now. Unfortunately, there is is no sure thing in this draft, outside the top two picks.

9. Anaheim Ducks

Trevor Zegras, Centre

The Ducks are in dire need of a centre. Their lack of offence is well-known and has to improve for them to be a contender. Trevor is a dangerously smart centre who fits the bill.  Zegras is an elite offensive talent who can think with his feet. Elite Prospects has him as a centre and winger, which increases his value even more. The Ducks are in dire need of an offensive centre. Trevor fits the bill.

10. Vancouver Canucks

Peyton Krebs, Forward

Offensive dynamo is an excellent description of Peyton. He is a highly-skilled forward who can also play centre. He has overcome his size with aggressive play. Krebs has been a point forward per game, has a quick release, and good footwork. He can get dmen all turned around with his moves. Plays in all aspects of his game. He will to play the corners and get his nose dirty.

11.  Philadelphia Flyers

Cole Caufield, Forward

Cole is a dynamic forward who can score with the best of them. What makes Cole so explosive is his speed. He has defence on their heels; they are too busy looking for the puck, he just goes around them. Caulfield is a fantastic forward with speed to burn. Flyers could have a steal in the draft.

12. Minnesota Wild 

Philip Broberg, Defenceman

Phillip is a reliable defender who plays his position well. Has some offensive ability to go with his defensive awareness.  Steady, reliable nasty dman who will keep players honest. Has a puck knowledge good puck moving dman.

13. Florida  Panthers

Spencer Knight, Goalie

Spencer is one of the best prospect goalies that have come up in a long time. He covers the angles well and follows the puck. His puck control is fantastic — a great future goalie.

14.  Arizona Coyotes 

Arthur Kaliyev, Forward

Arthur is an offensive forward who has excellent shot release. Arthur has a ton of potential of being a superstar.  He can make something out of nothing; he is capable of winning a game by himself. Kaliyev will help the Coyotes in offensive categories for years to come.

15.  Montreal Canadians

Raphaël Lavoie, Centre/Right Wing

Raphael Is big and talented and could be the power forward the Habs need. His biggest asset his long reach to get around the defencemen. Raphael has a sneaky snapshot. He is a very dangerous forward who uses his size to advantage. He has been an explosive force in the Quebec Junior League.

16. Colorado Avalanche

Victor Söderström, Defenceman

Victor is steady, reliable puck-moving defenceman.  A smooth skater who very good at transaction game. Victor is a great passer, an asset who can get the puck out of the defensive zone to the forwards. He has an above-average shot and the potential of being top pairing defencemen.

17. Las Vegas Golden Knights  

Alexander Newhook, Centre

Alexander is a terrific centre who has plenty of offensive skill. He is a smooth fast-skating centre with great hands.  Alexander has a fantastic accurate shot which can often fool goalies. He is consistently heading to the net. Newhook has his nose to the grindstone. He is a gifted centre determined to get the job done.

18.  Dallas Stars

Ryan Suzuki, Centre

Ryan is a smooth, sneaky centreman. He has a great release with quick hands. His ability to get to the where he is going faster gives him better chances to score. Ryan has a ton of potential of being an explosive centerman, and his hockey knowledge often puts him several plays ahead.

19. Ottawa Senators 

 Moritz Seider, Defenceman

Moritz has tremendous hockey IQ. He is a very smart defenceman who rarely gets out of place.  He does not shy away from roughness. He takes the body first and asks question later — a no-nonsense defender who has a chip on his shoulder — a leader by example.

20.   Winnipeg Jets

Cam York, Defenceman

York is a strong two-way defender who is always thinking of where he is supposed to be. York will get his teammates out of trouble. He is a very reliable defenceman. Cam will be a steady dman who makes up for mistakes with his speed. He may have to overcome a size issue in the  NHL.

21.  Pittsburgh Penguins 

Thomas Harley, Defenceman

Thomas, an offensive juggernaut powerplay specialist, will boost the Pens' powerplay.  He is a terrific puck-moving defenceman who can be used in all aspects of the game. He was used in the penalty kill as well as the powerplay. HIs defensive play does not match his offensive play, but he has true potential. He might be a project, but he could be a diamond in the rough.

22.  Los Angeles Kings

Philip Tomasino, Right Wing

Philip is a fast tempo player; his speed will catch the defence off-guard.  Philip has an outstanding snapshot that will hit the mark. The aggressive checker will get to loose pucks and will win puck battles. He has lots of intensity will get into payers head.

23.  New York Islanders

Brett Leason, Forward

The New York Islanders are in dire need of a power forward. Brett fills this need. He will eat you up and spit you up; a man's man, as they say.  He may not score 40 goals, but he will stick up for the smaller players. He will add toughness to the Islanders; line-up. He may be a 60 point guy. If the  Isles don't pick him, the Flames will.

24.  Nashville Predators

Matthew Robertson, Defenceman

Matthew Robertson's greatest asset is his cannon from the point. He will be a future powerplay quarterback.  He is a strong skater who will use his speed to bail his teammates out of trouble.  Robertson will use his size to play to his advantage. He is a great defender.

25. Washington Capitals

Samuel Poulin

Samuel is a power forward in the making, still young in between the ears. The Capitals are going to have to be patient with Samuel. He is very strong on his feet, a power forward in the offensive zone. Samuel has good speed with a great snapshot. He will get his share of goals going to the front of the net. The Capitals will have a good one for the future.

26.  Calgary Flames

Connor McMichael, Centre/Left Wing

Connor is a versatile forward who can play centre and wing. He can be used in all aspects of the game. Connor has great instincts with a terrific shot and  great hands. Connor has some nifty moves and is capable of making a play out of nothing. The Flames like their forwards to play more than one position, and they will love his versatility.

27.  Tampa Bay Lightning 

Alex Vlasic, Defenceman

Alex strongest asset is he is cool under pressure. He never panics. He keeps the puck moving. A great passer who will get the puck out of the zone. Overall, Alex has excellent skills. He may be a little raw, but his attitude and skills will come to the front. A solid defender.

28. Carolina Panthers

Yegor Afanasyev, Forward

Yegor is the Russian forward who can score. He is a future power forward who can use his size to his advantage. He has a great shot with soft hands. He needs to overcome his weakness in his speed. If he can overcome that, he will develop into a solid forward in years to come.

29.  Anaheim Ducks

Ville Heinola, Defenceman

Ville's biggest weakness is his size, but he has shown already he is capable of overcoming that obstacle. Ville already has experience playing in the pro league in Finland. He will mature more in the NHL. He is a puck-moving defenceman who has speed and the ability to move the puck. He plays a great transaction game, goes with the flow, and is capable of picking up the pace. The Ducks will have a good one if they are patient with him.

30. Buffalo Sabres

Bobby Brink, Right Wing/Left Wing

Bobby Brink is a smallish forward who can play both wings. He is one not to be taken lightly and has been proving the doubters wrong.  A determined winger who will get nasty to get the job done. He is just what the doctor ordered as far as the Sabres are concerned.

31. Boston Bruins

Jakob Pelletier, Centre

Jakob is a high-end centre who is known for vision. He is a skilled centre who is an excellent passer. Jakob will never give up. He fights for every inch he gets. His hockey IQ  is through the roof. He will outsmart the defence who are often left looking for their jockstraps when skates by him. He is a perfect example of good things coming in small packages.

Dead-Line: The Cup or Bust

Closing in on the NHL trade deadline day, the Calgary Flames have been linked to every offensive forward available. It is common knowledge that the Flames would love to add one more forward and a number four or five defencemen. The main problem is the prices the sellers want. So far, the Flames have been balking at the prices.

The Flames have an extensive list, but you can take one off with the Duchene trade. But the Flames are seriously trying to build up this team. The management feels they are very close to being a Cup contender.

Some of the top players the Flames may be going after:

Mark Stone

The Flames are strong contenders. Stone is a sniper who can do wonders with a powerplay. He is a very good one-timer who would work well with Tkachuk. He is excellent defensively and will work for his goals. He is also a great finisher and probably the best all-around player available.

Chris Kreider

Chris is a physical forward who can mix it up with the best of them. He is not as gifted as Stone. He is number two winger with a touch of grit and reminds me of an older Tkachuck. He would add some offence to the team and add some to the defensive game. He needs a centre who will give him the puck. But the Rangers want your firstborn, and then some.

Mats Zuccarello 

Zuccarello is a fast skater with some playmaking skills. More than likely, he is Calgary's number one target. He may not be the best player, but he will be the cheapest of the players available at the deadline. He would fit nicely in with Janko and Bennett, with Neal being week-to-week.  Zuccarello may be more open to re-signing than anyone else on the market.

Wayne Simmonds

Simmonds is a mean power forward. He is a powerplay specialist who can score the odd five-on-five goals. Again, he would beef up the Flames physically and could very well be put on the front line to help Johnny. But I am not sure the Flames are interested in a rental. They have shown more interest in testing the free agent market.

The Flames are also looking for a left-handed dman maybe to help out with the third pairing, which tells me they don't have confidence in Stone. Look for the Flames to dangle him as trade bait if he can get healthy. I have not heard who the Flames are putting on the market.  I have heard that talks between the Flames and the Isles surrounding Bennett ended quickly. I am not sure they would put Janko on the block either.

The Flames are shopping trying to get a bargain at Tiffany's, which could be pretty tricky.

Flames: What to do?

Buckle up, fans, the Calgary Flames are about to be tested with the big boys. The offence has been successful, and here is a novel idea: defence, stop making bonehead mistakes. The forwards have to commit to helping in their own zone. Too many times this season, the Flames have gone into a game just to add onto their stats. The old saying holds: defence will win cups.

The offence is in high gear, yet the Flames are linked to every forward in the League, from the Devils' Marcus Johansson to Wade Simmons from Philly.  Add the Rangers' too many players to be mentioned. The Flames have made it known they are open for business. Their main priority is bringing in a vet to help in their own zone and add the odd offensive goal. Their next priority is bringing in a number four or five dman to help with the kids. There is little hope in bringing in a goalie under contract.  But the problem with trying to trade Smith is that they cannot find a team willing to take that contract on. Peters has told the media over and over that the Flames can improve. They must improve in playing a full 60 minutes. They must improve their defences lapses. They have to bring in the mentality of a winner.

There are still a few options on the farm. Curtis Lazar has shown fantastic leadership. He feels he is ready and has shown the characteristics of a  team player. He has put off theme mentality and replaced it with team mentality. The Flames would love to add some depth to the farm. They may be willing to take a chance on Hosang. The Flames have mentioned their number one pick is in play. The prospects Dillon Dube and Spencer Foo could be trade bait. How far they will go is anyone's guess, but they feel they can take up the torch. Or should I say, Lord Stanley's Cup?

The Flames are Busy Beavers

The Flames are flying and buzzing, forcing the opposition to make mistakes. They are led by one of the best lines in the League: Monahan, Longholm, and some guy named Gaudreau. I hear Gaudreau is supposed to be pretty good! Their second line seems to be kicking butt with Frolik, Backlund, and Tkachuck, known as the 3M line.

The defence is still weak at times, mostly because the Flames are bringing the 1980s back into the NHL. Gio is really putting up offensive numbers I never saw coming. Every year, I think he is going to slow down, but instead, he ups his performance. He is Superman on the defence back there. I am getting excited with the real Hammer coming back with robust play and monster hits.

The scary thing is this team can still improve their play.  They still have not played a full 60 minutes. Yes, this is a big concern. Despite my friends telling me "just be happy, they are winning," I am here to tell you that sooner or later, it is going to catch up with them. The Knights and Sharks are playing full out, forcing the Flames to win on a regular basis or they will make the Flames eat their dust.

The defence's lapses have to slow down. They are forcing the Flames to score at least four times a night.  Most nights they are, but wouldn't it be nice to win without all that offence? Watching the Flames win is a lot of fun, but I wish we didn't have to see the bad defence to go with it.

This leads me to wonder what needs to be fixed. The Flames are very busy on the phones right now.  Paul Kreischer, one of my contacts, says the Flames are one of the busiest teams in the league. They are building the momentum on getting a new arena built. Stone will be available after his blood clots are gone. Another source says the Flames are all in. No excuses, it is time to take the gloves off. People are going to know this team by the end of the season.

Watch for the Flames to pick up a goalie if they can find one. Is Smith the primary obstacle? What do you think they are going to do with him?