Flames' Future

Today I have a special guest, Dearen. I asked him: Should the Flames re-sign Brodie and or Hamonic?

It is a great question. Both players will be 30 years of age when they sign their next NHL contract. Hamonic, a right-hander, and Brodie, a lefty who predominantly plays on the right side. Right side defensemen are valuable, and when you need one, they are hardly ever available. But will the Flames re-sign either guy? If both guys walk, it will leave the Flames with Andersson as their top right side defenseman and no right-handed depth behind him.

With 637 career NHL games, Hamonic plays in the trenches, a team-first player, a player who will block a shot and lay his body on the line every shift. This means his 637 career NHL games have put some wear and tear on his body, but you need guys like Hamonic to win. His current cap hit is $3.857M, which is a result of the discounted extension he signed with the Islanders years ago. 

Brodie, with 634 career NHL games and counting and a $4.650M cap hit, is a different player and a better skater than Hamonic. However, you could argue that Brodie is not the same player when he is not paired with Norris winner, Mark Giordano.

For me, it comes down to the Flames needing defencemen who can play that right side, and the Flames are also desperate to find a powerplay quarterback. Perhaps Gustafsson flourishes in the powerplay role, and he is re-signed to fill that need. But let us take a look at which pending unrestricted defensemen are available that could fill those two needs:

Alex Pietrangelo - Unlikely this happens, I know. But Pietrangelo would fill both needs if Hamonic and Brodie walk. Also, Pietrangelo could cost the Flames in salary what Hamonic and Brodie make combined, or close to it. I would make a serious pitch, tell him the new arena is not that far away and give him a percentage of all Pocket Dawg sales.

Alex is the best free agent defenceman in the market. He is the best skilled all-around player. He excels at all aspects of the game.  

 

Tyson Barrie - Around the trade deadline, Barrie's name was linked to Calgary numerous times. Western Canadian guy who is likely to return to Toronto. More offensive than both Hamonic and Brodie. Could you bring Barrie in to play second pairing minutes while running the powerplay? I'd consider it.

Tyson Barrie would be a perfect fit for a powerplay quarterback. His strength is distributing the puck up to the forwards. Controlling the powerplay would be right up his alley. 

Other names available that could fill one of the two needs:

-Justin Schultz

-Torey Krug

-Joel Edmundson

-Sami Vatanen

-Radko Gudas.

My suspicion is that Hamonic signs with Winnipeg and the Flames add Tyson Barrie via free agency. I do not think the Flames spend the money to bring back both Hamonic and Brodie, and they need to get a guy who can run a powerplay, we need to find a way to reduce the on-ice time for Giordano. I could see the Flames signing both Barrie and Brodie, but that will mean we did not add a top-six forward. I am not convinced the Flames can land a guy like Taylor Hall, Mike Hoffman or Tyler Toffoli anyway, so maybe they spend their cap space on the defence and bring in Barrie and retain Brodie. That is my best guess. 

You're exactly right about Hamonic. I feel strongly That the Hammer is going to the Jets. I think that he wants to be closer to his family. Finally, third fold the Winnipeg Jets need defencemen. Everyone knows that Taylor Hall would love to come home can the Flame fit him. 

Hey, look! Braden Holtby is an unrestricted free agent. Sorry, Randy, this is about our defence, we can save that one for another blog.

 

A great job, bud. You can find Dearen on twitter @jasta28. A terrific follow. Yes, we will address the Holtby in another blog.

The next vital question is, What will the Flames to with Johnny Hockey? Should they keep him or not? I asked one of my followers on Twitter. 

I think the Flames need to keep Johnny Gaudreau, simply because he’s the best and most polarizing player we’ve had since Iginla. He’s fast, exciting, and every time he touches the puck, there’s the potential for something special to happen. Trading Gaudreau, in my mind, signals that you are beginning the process of rebuilding. He’s the one that puts butts in seats at the Saddledome, and without him, our team looks a lot less formidable. While he has struggled lately, there’s still reason to believe that he has some magic left in him yet. Lastly, there’s no real evidence to suggest that “he wants to go home” aside from a radio hit he did years ago when he was essentially saying something to that effect to flatter the host who asked him the question.

First of all, I like to thank CofRedCentral for joining me on this blog. He is an excellent follow. I enjoy his tweets and his observations a great person to follow.  

I concur that there is no evidence that Johnny has wanted out. I asked a Philly media representative the question. He said he would not read anything into it. Every player dreams about playing in his hometown.  

Johnny is one of the best players in the League, no doubt. He has to be more consistent. I do not doubt that the Flames do not want to trade him. The problem is, I don't think they can find a suitable player to replace him. 

The last guest I asked Taranjot Vining, an aspiring Broadcaster who has been running a Flames related page on Instagram for 3+ years—born and raised in Calgary. You can reach him on Instagram at @straight_outta_calgary or on twitter @Flames_Report. 

I asked him the question, What happens if the Flames don't make a long run in the playoffs?

If the Flames don’t manage to make a deep run in the playoffs, I think management may be the ones to blame. Management failed to address the issue of having to add a top-six right winger and failed to add some much-needed help to boost the depth in the bottom six of the team. However, management did try to bring in pieces like Kadri, Zucker and Stone—Zucker and Stone were pieces the Flames tried to add at the 2019 Trade Deadline. Reportedly, Kadri nixed a deal that would’ve sent him to the Flames in exchange for Mark Jankowski and a few other pieces—but they failed to do so, as none of the trades went through. Either due to players nixing the trade or the team just not wanting to go through with the trade. All in all, I think management should’ve properly managed assets and brought in a piece to help the top six.

Your first comment on the top-six forward is dead on. We have not addressed that issue for some time. We have been looking for two years now for the second line. The Kadri deal was nixed, the Flames have to research to see if the player would love to play her. Management has to take the blame if this team does not make a large playoff run. 

I want to thank the gentlemen for joining me in the blog. If you want a say, contact me at twitter @thefanblogger. 

Stay safe.

Randy

Is it time for the Flames?

The Flames have not been able to make it to the next level. Is it the players' fault or is it the coach?  Every year this team does not live up to expectations. Are we expecting too much? Somehow, the veterans—not the kids—make the same mistakes over and over again. Either the vets are blocking out the coach or they do not care. 

Either way, if the Flames do not make a considerable run, is it time to get a more expensive coach? Or is it time to blow this team up?  I think it is time to jettison the core, which has not lived up to expectations. The only exception was 2014. It is time for a change.

It is hard to pinpoint the exact issue. I have heard this is entirely on the core. In other quarters, they blame it on goaltending. If we had consistent goaltending, things would be different. The third option is that the defence is terrible. It seems harsh to put this all on the defence.

So, who gets the blame?  I can tell you who will shoulder the blame: the coach. It might not be fair, but there is no way you can trade the whole team. At this point, I wish they would. 

Which begs the question: When is the last time the Flames had a big name coach? I would say it was Bob Hartly in 2014, the year he took the Calgary Flames out of nowhere to the playoffs. Before that, try Darryl Sutter 2004. And we know what he did that year.

I get it. It is too easy to blame the coach. Maybe it is time to do a little of both. Time to address the coaching and to shake up the core? What do you think? 

Has Hammer played his last game?

Travis Hamonic. It looks like it's time for him to move on. Not because I want him to move on, but for economic reasons. There is not enough money to go around. I think his ultimate destination will be the Winnipeg Jets.

What will we miss in Hamonic? His first strength is his character in the dressing room. You can never underestimate a player who wears his heart on his sleeve. Of course, Hamonic is probably the Flames' best stay-home dman.  His presence will be missed in the defensive zone. He won't be there bailing out stupidity. I can't count how many times his hit or blocking a shot saved a scoring chance. The Flames will have to bring in a cheaper version, because every team needs a Hamonic.

The only downside on Hammer as he goes into free agency is his injuries. He has had some really bad luck, getting healthy only to be put back on the shelf. Hamonic's injury woes were mostly due to his play; he never shied away from any circumstance. I often cringed when I saw him jumping or diving to block a shot. Or when he would stick up for his teammates.

I was thinking to myself how sweet it would it be if he went back to Long Island.  I went to ask some of my islander fans how they felt. The feeling was that most likely, it's not going to happen. Not that they don't want him; far from it. It's just not a good fit. They would love to have him at a lower price tag. But that is not likely not going to happen. Hammer should get the same money for a three-year term. 

A connection of mine, Tommy Baffi from Long Island, put it this way:

"Travis Hamonic came up through the Islanders system and, of course, played the first portion of his career here on Long Island. I truly enjoyed and loved the time number 3 spent here as he brought superior play in his own zone and a true dedication to the community on Long Island and to his teammates in the locker room. Travis will be a free agent coming into the 2020-2021, and I think it is an interesting possibility for him to return to Long Island and play for our NY Islanders. If Travis is willing to come back on a reasonable short term deal to add beef and toughness to our defence, I say let's bring back number..."

Tommy does a Facebook watch program called Coaches Corner. You can find it on Drive 4 Five Facebook group or his own home page.

I concur, especially to his dedication to the community. Hammer is known for his time to the community; the City will surely miss his contributions to the charities within the City. His no-nonsense attitude has helped a team which, at times, has lacked the necessary toughness. In my opinion, the Islanders should consider picking Hamonic up.

When it comes to Hamonic, I don't believe he wanted to leave in the first place. He is most likely leaving Calgary for the same reason he left Long Island. I understand that family is his priority and I respect that. So chances are, Long Island won't be an option.

Last Word

It looks like this tourney will go on whether we embrace it or not. I am pretty sure the NHL really doesn't care what old farts like me think.  All eyes are on the players going into the tourney. Let's hope we can enjoy the game for what it is a sport. 

Talking about players, Mr. Gaudreau seems to be a major topic. Everyone but the kitchen sink is wondering what the Flames will do with him. Most people think that he will be sent packing. The Islanders might be a fit for him, along with Philly, Devils, Rangers, or Bruins. It will get interesting to see where he goes. 

Until next time!

My favourite moments in Flames history

There has been a fair share of all-stars hockey players passing through the foothills. I have been there since the Flames inaugural season. From magic man Kent Neilson to the firecracker Theo. I will never forget how the so-called experts said that Theo would not make it because of his size. Mr. Theo had the last laugh as he becomes one of the elite of the Calgary Flames. And, of course, captain Jerome Iginla. And all of the players in between. 

Going through Flames history, there are some good times and some bad. I have lost a lot of hair over the years; the Flames could very well take credit for that. I am being facetious, but there has been a lot of heartbreak with this team, in all honesty. The Flames have also had some glorious moments.

Today, I thought I would like to share some of my memories. There are many, as I am old as a dinosaur. A toothless dinosaur, but I digress. On with the memories of the Flames. 

May 25, 1989

Most Flames fans who wear false teeth can remember this game. My fondest goal is the Lanny goal to give the Flames a 2-1 lead. The pass from Newy was a beaut. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sp2os0CqnAE

March 21, 1989

Lanny Mcdonald scores his 500th goal against the New York Islanders. A wrap out faking out goaltender Mark Fitzpatrick. I think it was Ed Whalen with the call of the goal in Calgary. The link has the Islanders broadcast of the goal. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr8TABakZwg

April 7, 2002

Jerome, with a great pass from Conroy, fires a howitzer past goalie Jocelyn Thibault. A terrific shot that Jocelyn had no chance of saving, from a superb set-up by his best friend, Conroy. 

April 7th 2002: Iggy reaches the 50 goal mark for the first time in his career!!! from r/CalgaryFlames

https://www.reddit.com/r/CalgaryFlames/comments/gsegaa/april_7th_2002_iggy_reaches_the_50_goal_mark_for/

April 5, 2008 

Iggy scores his 50th on Trevor Linden's last game as a Canuck. This memory is two-fold. A great pass by Nystrom, who is only looking to set up Iggy on the play—a great pass to Iggy. Then the celebration of the team for Iggy for scoring his 50th. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg_IJEytm2o

I will never forget what Iggy and the Flames did for Linden at the end of the game. Watching them all coming to shake Linden's hand still brings a tear to my eye. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rWVyc2UUDk

Some history of the Flames

For instance, who holds the most points as a Calgary Flame? Kent Neilson, otherwise known as the Magic Man in the 1980-81 season, had 131 points. Kent also had a career year in goals that scoring 49 goals.  

Who had the most goals in one season for Calgary Flames? For this, I go back to the Lanny Macdonald. Lanny erupted for 66 goals in the 1982-83 season.

Who scored the first goal as a member of the Calgary Flames? Guy Chouinard scored two goals that night. The Flames blew a 4-1 lead to the Quebec Nordiques and settled for 5-5 tie. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuzqaMPQ_AA

There are so many more memories to share, because I am so old. I will try to do a nostalgic blog more often. 

Last Word

Oh yes, the Johnny saga continues, now that Johnny is being separated from his linemates. It has been suggested that Johnny didn't do enough exercise during his time off. The Flames are coming to crossroads on what to do with Johnny. The main problem is making sure the Flames have the same rules for him as they do the other players. Where do you draw the line? I have no idea. All I know is that the line has not yet been drawn. The next problem is will he sign after this contract is up? For the Flames to get more, they should trade him sooner or later. A Johnny for two years is worth a lot more than last-minute Johnny. 

Tale of Two Players

As the Flames prepare to meet the Jets, let's discuss a couple of the players from the Heat. The two players I would like to talk about are the two hardest to spell; this is not a good thing because I can't spell, but I digress.

Artyom Zagidulin

When the Calgary Flames signed Artyom Zagidulin, I must admit I knew nothing about him. So I had to do some research and here is what I learned. He is a young goalie, rough around the edges. But he has potential. Artyom has fast reflexes going from side to side. He needs to control the rebounds and he goes down too early. There is a consensus that he is rarely caught out of position.

I have fabulous followers on Twitter. One, in particular, is Nicole Watt @NikkiWatt18. I love her quote. With her permission, allow me to share her observation on Artyom Zagidulin.

"He is still developing. The Heat aren't really there yet as a team tbh, so it's harder to gauge, but he really needs to work on his numbers if he wants to make it. He has a lot of potential though."

Alexander Yelesin

When the Calgary Flames signed Alexander, I completely understood why. Alexander has terrific depth and will fit in nicely in that number six defensemen role. He is a solid stay-home defenceman with a solid, rugged game. He is what he is. He will be of use on the penalty kill.

With these two players, I feel Yelesin, in particular, will get a chance to play. Thanks to "players not fit to play,"  the Flames may be forced to play Alexander. I am quite comfortable with him in the lineup.  Zagidulin is there on an emergency basis in case the Flames lose every goalie in the world. Zagidulin will grow tenfold with the Flames. To steal a baseball term, they will teach him what it is like in the big leagues.

Last word

I just wanted to say a few words on Travis Hamonic. I don't think there could be a more exceptional representative of the NHL than Travis. He has done more for the community than most of us will in a lifetime. He is as solid a hockey player off the ice as he is on the ice. I am afraid to say; I think he has played his last game as a Flames, and it is a darn shame.

Two Ears One Mouth

The same God who created sunrises and sunsets did not create what is going on in the world today. No, unfortunately, that is a manmade creation. What happened to George Floyd is despicable and should never have happened. There is no doubt of that, no matter what side you're on with the riots. No one is listening, only reacting. Isn't it time to remember God gave us two ears and one mouth? My heart is breaking with all the hate.

I have heard a lot on both sides. Some say the police are at fault for pushing first. Others say it is the fault of the protestors for causing property damage.  I am a firm believer that black lives matter.  Let me further say, I understand the hurt and frustration of being trampled time and time again. This unnecessary violence happens way too much. That does not excuse property damage and looting. There is no excuse for that. As for the police pushing first, they are supposed to be protecting the citizens. The root of the problem is that the police are assuming the protestors will get violent, so they are trying to stop it before it starts. The protestors are getting hit first, which angers them. When someone who is already angry gets pushed around, what is going to happen? Of course, the mob fights back. Again there are too many mouths and not enough ears. Everyone is talking over each other and not listening to the other's point of view. Isn't it time to change the motivation from revenge to healing?

The second problem, of course, is that protestors are not the problem. But they are the ones who are meeting the police in the main areas. The people who are looting and vandalizing are the ones the police should be handling, not the demonstrators. But the police cannot get to them because there to busy policing the main areas.

If we could use our ears and listen to one another, this could finally be ending. May my prayers be answered that there are no more George Floyds. It is my prayer that commonsense takes over, and the healing can begin.

My wife, Pam, wrote a poem years ago, which I think is precisely what we all need to learn.


Inside Out  

At my school there are rows
and rows of lockers.
At first they all look
like they are the same.

They fit into only five
or maybe six groups,
But that's all. And some
then look no further.

But if you can get
the combination,
You can see inside.

Some are neat,
Some confused.
Some are full,
Some empty.

All are different,
and all are unique.

Some people look at other races
like they are something alien.
They think that every man
from an ethnic group

looks alike,
thinks alike,
is alike.

They don't stop to think
that they have feelings,
that they have hopes,
that they have fears,
that they are someone
worth knowing.

Someone should tell the racist
about lockers.

P.D. Workman

Two college free agents to the good guys

The Flames saw a weakness and did something about it today. As everyone was worried about the defensive cupboard being sparse, that it was nice to see the Flames filling it back up.

Connor Mackey

Mackey is a great character defencemen with potential. He is a solid defencemen with size, who has some toughness with a touch of offence.  He is an excellent skater, puck distributor, and a great shot. There is a good possibility of the Flames putting him in the lineup soon. A great signing to fill up the cupboard. Four years ago, he was Defensemen of the Year in the USHL. He was considered a 4 or 5 defencemen and is a  powerplay specialist. Russ Cowen* said Mackey, is a guy who has NHL tools; he sees opportunities for Mackey in Calgary on the blue line.

Colton Poolman

Colton is a leader in the dressing room.  With tons of offensive skill, he is a puck-moving dman. He can play in all aspects of his game but needs to develop his defensive skills. Colton was put in every situation and excelled. I am excited about his leadership skills and his character. Colton has the potential to be a solid second-pairing defenceman. Two years ago, in the NSCHC, he was a finalist for the player of the year. He was also up for defensive Defencemen of the Year as well as Offensive Defencemen of the Year.

These are solid signings with minimal risk. You can never go wrong with more defensive help.



*Russ Cowen - PHWA member, NHL radio. EP Rinkside. He just completed a college hockey book. #nyjets book next.  Twitter handle @sportsology. There is no one I trust more when it comes to hockey prospects.