Todd Cordell: Calgary Flames: Another Word On Kris Russell

McDavid

Move him. You guys have a lot of money tied up on the backend already. You aren't making the playoffs, and defensemen go for a small ransom at the deadline.

To me if he wants to stay and BT see's something in him that the stats don't then trade him now and re-sign him in free agency.

Gets us some return, gives him a chance to play for Chicago and win a cup or gain some valuable experience.

BOOM!!! Drops mic.....

Depends on his price. Somewhere in the 3-4 million, I'd sign him for 5 yrs..if he wants more, which is likely, then move him at the deadline. I'd much rather find a new home for Wideman, obviously with some salary retained.

Todd, could the shots against per 60 mins stat used in your blog have some relevance to zone starts and player usage? Just a thought.

Todd, could the shots against per 60 mins stat used in your blog have some relevance to zone starts and player usage? Just a thought.
- fry

Sometimes you can spew all these stats & jump to conclusions but conveniently omit important pieces. How the player is utilized is on the coach. Hartley has played Russell like a #3 dman. Don't believe me, take a look at TOI & PP minutes. Russell's strength is blocking shots, his utility is PK where possession stats mean diddly. For a solid #4-5 dman & good PK'er, that probably falls into the 2.5 -3.0 mill per year. Basically, his contract what he has now is bang on. Hartley has inflated in value by how he's utilized & Todds nice little analysis then becomes more relevant if you are comparing Russells numbers to what #3 blue liners make & how they perform. Perspective is needed. Russell's agent has every reason based on utilization to ask for $5.0-5.5 mill per. Is what it is. His trade value should be a late 1st to a playoff bound team. Take it & run. Doubt we resign him because someone is going to get close to $5.0mill per on a 5 year deal for him come July. Just won't be the Flames. He's also a buddy of GlenX who is telling them hometown discounts is a very bad idea. Trade time, Kris will need to go to full market to get what he is hoping to cash in on. I don't blame him 1 bit.

don't even try todd, you will never be able to explain common sense to these guys

don't even try todd, you will never be able to explain common sense to these guys
- Bigern4MVP

I really think you need to talk to your English teacher and find out where your reading comprehension went. That is a broad accusation. If you read the posts in these threads that's not even an accurate conclusion

Nothing to say you can't trade him and hopefully get a late first I doubt but wishful thinking. And then try to re sign him to a discount of 3 or so.. The flames do need to shed some salary wiedman England who I think has done a good job!! But he is over payed. Smid coulburn had high hopes that he would turn out to be a solid 2 ish 3ish winger just doesn't seem like it and raymand well enough said. About him

McDavid
- Iloveeveryone

Oilers

Late 1st rounder is not out of the question. Teams like Chicago, LA, Dallas, Detroit, even Washington could use another top 4/5 Defenceman

Late 1st rounder is not out of the question. Teams like Chicago, LA, Dallas, Detroit, even Washington could use another top 4/5 Defenceman
- brb1397

Agreed. Late 1st were used to acquire rentals, look at LA with Sekera. Who did nothing in LA. Franson & Santorelli got a 1st from Nashville,two UFA's. I would put Santorelli in the Jones category. I think Hudler gets us a late 1st from someone. I may be wrong but I don't think so. Both Hudler & Russell have way more value than what GlenX did last year & we got a 2nd & a 3rd for him. Depends on supply & demand at the TDL. Injuries leading up to the TDL will also impact the value.

The stats confirm what even the good old fashioned eye test tells you. Russell is not a top 4 defenseman. He is thoroughly overwhelmed when he has to face the oppositions top 6 forwards. He would fit well on a team that could use him in a bottom pairing/pk role, we already have 3 guys on payroll capable of playing that role though.

As a defensive defenseman, Russell is normally playing against opponents' top offensive threats. His role on the team is to stop the other team's best offensive players from scoring. It stands to reason that he would be on the ice for more attempts against and more shots against because he's used to shut down the other team: his role isn't to generate offense in those situations.

That's my problem with an over reliance on stats: they fail to take into account what role the player is in. If Russell were put in a role to generate offense; was matched up against opponents' second, third and fourth lines; or was consistently paired with the Monahan/Gaudreau line; then, the numbers would suggest he's a weak defenseman. That isn't the case though: he's matched up most often against opponents' top offensive threats and is paired with defensive minded forwards in those situations.

It stands to reason he's on the ice for more scoring chances and shots against because he's put on the ice to limit chances against the best offensive threats in the league. That shouldn't be a knock against him. It's a statement that the team trusts him in those roles because he's able to shut opponents' top offensive threats.

As a defensive defenseman, Russell is normally playing against opponents' top offensive threats. His role on the team is to stop the other team's best offensive players from scoring. It stands to reason that he would be on the ice for more attempts against and more shots against because he's used to shut down the other team: his role isn't to generate offense in those situations.

That's my problem with an over reliance on stats: they fail to take into account what role the player is in. If Russell were put in a role to generate offense; was matched up against opponents' second, third and fourth lines; or was consistently paired with the Monahan/Gaudreau line; then, the numbers would suggest he's a weak defenseman. That isn't the case though: he's matched up most often against opponents' top offensive threats and is paired with defensive minded forwards in those situations.

It stands to reason he's on the ice for more scoring chances and shots against because he's put on the ice to limit chances against the best offensive threats in the league. That shouldn't be a knock against him. It's a statement that the team trusts him in those roles because he's able to shut opponents' top offensive threats.
- b00fz

The thing is he doesn't play against the other teams top lines when we have a choice in the matter. That role belongs to Brodie and Gio, they're the ones taking on the likes of Toews, Kane, Benn, Seguin and so on. When we do not have last change other teams specifically target their best lines to go against Russell because they know they can exploit him

Here's a drinking game for you guys. Watch Russell, and for every time he gets the puck down low (often after spending a good deal of time trapped in our zone) only to grab the puck, spin around, and fire a pathetically weak wrist shot around the boards that doesn't get past the other teams d you have to take a shot of crown. I guarantee by the 3rd period you will have a pretty damn good buzz going on.

The thing is he doesn't play against the other teams top lines when we have a choice in the matter. That role belongs to Brodie and Gio, they're the ones taking on the likes of Toews, Kane, Benn, Seguin and so on. When we do not have last change other teams specifically target their best lines to go against Russell because they know they can exploit him

Here's a drinking game for you guys. Watch Russell, and for every time he gets the puck down low (often after spending a good deal of time trapped in our zone) only to grab the puck, spin around, and fire a pathetically weak wrist shot around the boards that doesn't get past the other teams d you have to take a shot of crown. I guarantee by the 3rd period you will have a pretty damn good buzz going on.
- Saskabush

The thing is he doesn't play against the other teams top lines when we have a choice in the matter. That role belongs to Brodie and Gio, they're the ones taking on the likes of Toews, Kane, Benn, Seguin and so on. When we do not have last change other teams specifically target their best lines to go against Russell because they know they can exploit him

Here's a drinking game for you guys. Watch Russell, and for every time he gets the puck down low (often after spending a good deal of time trapped in our zone) only to grab the puck, spin around, and fire a pathetically weak wrist shot around the boards that doesn't get past the other teams d you have to take a shot of crown. I guarantee by the 3rd period you will have a pretty damn good buzz going on.
- Saskabush

After Giordano and Brodie, the Flames choose to use Russell more than anyone else to kill penalties. Of course Gio and Brodie are the first defensive pair in all situations; however, Russell is who they turn to next in defensive situations. After Gio and Brodie, who would you prefer they use in defensive situations?

Are they relying on Russell in defensive situations because they don't have any better options and their defense needs a major upgrade OR are they using him in those situations because they trust him and think he's good in them?

Personally, I don't have any answers: maybe the player they need for defensive situations isn't on their team yet. If that's the case, they should probably fix that.

After Giordano and Brodie, the Flames choose to use Russell more than anyone else to kill penalties. Of course Gio and Brodie are the first defensive pair in all situations; however, Russell is who they turn to next in defensive situations. After Gio and Brodie, who would you prefer they use in defensive situations?

Are they relying on Russell in defensive situations because they don't have any better options and their defense needs a major upgrade OR are they using him in those situations because they trust him and think he's good in them?

Personally, I don't have any answers: maybe the player they need for defensive situations isn't on their team yet. If that's the case, they should probably fix that.
- b00fz

Yes, absolutely.

Hamilton is beginning to come around. He is beginning to earn Hartley's trust and should be ready to step into that #3 role very soon. Let's not forget, we are in a rebuild. Overpaying a guy just because we don't have "better options" at the moment is not a good reason to keep him around.

Look, I don't hate the guy but if there was ever a time to sell high and get a good ROI on an asset it's now and it's with Russell. Also, just because he is our "best option" as a second pairing guy right now does not mean that we would suffer without him. Russell is only a marginally better option on the 2nd pairing than any of our other available options at d.

It's probably unlikely, but imagine if Russell + could get us a legitimate top 4 defenseman? (i.e. Hamonic).

Another reason that I do not want us to extend Russell long term is the sudden emergence of two legit blue-chip d prospects that could very well be pushing for spots with the big club as early as next season. I'm sorry, but IMO signing Russell is a terrible idea from just about every perspective I can think of.

Yes, absolutely.

Hamilton is beginning to come around. He is beginning to earn Hartley's trust and should be ready to step into that #3 role very soon. Let's not forget, we are in a rebuild. Overpaying a guy just because we don't have "better options" at the moment is not a good reason to keep him around.

Look, I don't hate the guy but if there was ever a time to sell high and get a good ROI on an asset it's now and it's with Russell. Also, just because he is our "best option" as a second pairing guy right now does not mean that we would suffer without him. Russell is only a marginally better option on the 2nd pairing than any of our other available options at d.

It's probably unlikely, but imagine if Russell + could get us a legitimate top 4 defenseman? (i.e. Hamonic).

Another reason that I do not want us to extend Russell long term is the sudden emergence of two legit blue-chip d prospects that could very well be pushing for spots with the big club as early as next season. I'm sorry, but IMO signing Russell is a terrible idea from just about every perspective I can think of.
- Saskabush

You definitely have some good points. He does seem to have value right now and if moving him could get a good return, then it'd be worth it. I don't agree with moving him just because he has a lot of 5 on 5 scoring chances against though. I think that those stats are a result of the situations he plays in and fail to tell the entire story of his abilities.

If they can improve the team by moving him, then I'm sure they will if it's to upgrade longterm. It would definitely be a good time to get some of the prospects some NHL experience as well. I just don't agree with relying solely on statistics to make an argument for moving someone (and I'm fairly sure the Flames' management wouldn't do that).

As a defensive defenseman, Russell is normally playing against opponents' top offensive threats. His role on the team is to stop the other team's best offensive players from scoring. It stands to reason that he would be on the ice for more attempts against and more shots against because he's used to shut down the other team: his role isn't to generate offense in those situations.

That's my problem with an over reliance on stats: they fail to take into account what role the player is in. If Russell were put in a role to generate offense; was matched up against opponents' second, third and fourth lines; or was consistently paired with the Monahan/Gaudreau line; then, the numbers would suggest he's a weak defenseman. That isn't the case though: he's matched up most often against opponents' top offensive threats and is paired with defensive minded forwards in those situations.

It stands to reason he's on the ice for more scoring chances and shots against because he's put on the ice to limit chances against the best offensive threats in the league. That shouldn't be a knock against him. It's a statement that the team trusts him in those roles because he's able to shut opponents' top offensive threats.
- b00fz

And he's not doing it. If he were capable of handling that task, it would show in the underlying numbers. A good defensive defenseman is able to get the puck away from the opposition's best players and give it to his team's players. It isn't about generating offense so much as providing actual defense. And Russell isn't doing that.

Wow! A lot of Russell hate. It's funny some on here say how bad Russell is but in the same breath think he'll fetch a 1st round pick.,

Oilers
- TandA4Flames

You're 3 points ahead of us and our best player has been out for most of the season. He also happens to lead the league in PPG

You're 3 points ahead of us and our best player has been out for most of the season. He also happens to lead the league in PPG

- Iloveeveryone

Where you guys going to slot in Austin?