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Joakim Nygard was probably smart to shun the Calgary Flames

May 24, 2019, 11:08 AM ET [35 Comments]
Todd Cordell
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The Joakim Nygard sweepstakes have concluded, and in disappointing fashion.

The 26-year-old Swedish speedster, who has been one of the SHL's best goal scorers in recent years, was reportedly choosing between Calgary and Edmonton – and elected to go with the latter.

While it would have been nice to ink a player like Nygard – there is no risk, and potential for a nice reward – it's hard to fault him for going with the Oilers.

Having a clear path to an NHL job was apparently a big factor, and he'll certainly have that in Edmonton.

The Oilers are desperate for more speed and skill on the left side. They have little to none, which is why Leon Drasiaitl and/or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins often found themselves playing there.

If we assume Draisaitl sticks on LW with Connor McDavid, the options on lines two through four are headlined by Milan Lucic, Tobias Rieder (RFA), and Ty Rattie (RFA). That's an absolute wasteland.

Compare that to Calgary where they have Johnny Gaudreau, Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, and Andrew Mangiapane as established NHLers at left wing. They also have Dillon Dube, arguably the best offensive player among U22 AHLers last season, waiting in the wings (no pun intended).

Even if Bennett, let's say, is traded this summer, Nygard would still need an awfully impressive camp to earn a regular spot. That's not the case with the Oilers.

Beyond just earning an NHL job, the potential for more playing opportunity probably played a big part as well.

If he made the Flames at all, he'd play a fairly limited role. If he makes the Oilers, he should get more minutes higher in the lineup. That matters.

Nygard's entry-level contract is only for one year. In other words, he needs a new deal next summer.

He's going to get more money if he is playing consistent minutes in the middle-6 and putting up some points, as opposed to rotating in and out on the 4th line with little production to show for it.

Nygard would have been a nice get for additional depth, but I think he made the best decision for himself by signing with the Oilers.

Recent posts:

On Zucker trade talks, Frolik, and swapping bad contracts with the Wild

Don't forget about Dillon Dube

Could Semyon Varlamov be an option for the Flames?

TSN trade bait board features plenty of Flames flavour

Calgary Flames contract projections

Examining potential backup options for the Flames

The Flames should listen to offers for T.J. Brodie
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