Oh for sure! It will all depend on how Hartley views his teams needs. Coachs often see potential in certain players that others missed, and vis versa. Theres going to be some growing pains with a newer GM and new coach...hopefully they see eye to eye and get the right group together for the long haul.

I wonder what it would take to pry Colin Wilson out of Nashville, or Jamie Benn from Dallas. Benn could be Iginlas replacement down the road...has the size and can score. Would love someone like that...problem is Dallas likely needs him more than Calgary does
- noename09

There is nobody on the Flames I wouldn't trade to get Benn but I doubt Calgary has the assets to get him. Especially the value a big center like that has.

Stajans spot

...and its not always a bad thing to have extra pieces, would just be nice if they were deeper at center (mind you, thats a league-wide problem)
- noename09

jones and street will compete for 4th. I think it depends who can win more faceoffs since thats where the flames are still weak.

Bouma/street/Jones/Aliu/Jackman I think are going to be rotating around alot. All the same type of player. Aliu has the edge in size and nastiness. Jackman experience. Bouma/Jones are basically the same as street, but with a year on him.

Sure Streets a new center, but not one that we need (there's neminsz in that role as well). Its a body to cover injuries and one we can shift up and down to abbortsford

There is nobody on the Flames I wouldn't trade to get Benn but I doubt Calgary has the assets to get him. Especially the value a big center like that has.
- tincup

Unforunate, reality....but you'd have to think a guy like Iginla could bring in some promising talent from teams like the Rangers, Philly, Washington, Pittsburgh....who are only a few tweeks away from being strong contenders.

They have the assets

jones and street will compete for 4th. I think it depends who can win more faceoffs since thats where the flames are still weak.

Bouma/street/Jones/Aliu/Jackman I think are going to be rotating around alot. All the same type of player. Aliu has the edge in size and nastiness. Jackman experience. Bouma/Jones are basically the same as street, but with a year on him.

Sure Streets a new center, but not one that we need (there's neminsz in that role as well). Its a body to cover injuries and one we can shift up and down to abbortsford
- numbear

I disagree on Street, but only because he is a proven point getter at the AHL level. I think he has more offensive upside than Nemisz.

Unforunate, reality....but you'd have to think a guy like Iginla could bring in some promising talent from teams like the Rangers, Philly, Washington, Pittsburgh....who are only a few tweeks away from being strong contenders.

They have the assets
- noename09

Ya I really don't see Benn going anywhere anytime soon. He's gonna be a beast in Sochi

Hudler looks like he will be a great pickup from the team. With his stanley cup and playoff experience, it will certainly add experienced talent to the club. Hudler didnt have all that much room to expand his skillsets within a deeper Detroit roster, and he will certainly be given the chances for added ice time and responsibility.

Wideman, we've discussed. Hes a potential replacement for Bouwmeester and for cheaper. He can put up points in the defensive end which was needed and should help. At 29, he has much to offer yet to the club.
- noename09

You haven't actually watched Wideman play much have you? Both contracts are bad but Bouwmeester>>>>Wideman. By a mile.

You haven't actually watched Wideman play much have you? Both contracts are bad but Bouwmeester>>>>Wideman. By a mile.
- GuyLaDouche

I can't say that I have seen Wideman play a whole bunch but from what I have heard they are going have different roles on this team. The Flames needed someone desperately to play the point on their PP as well...Bouwmeester is definitely not that guy.

They had a hole and needed to fill it. Maybe slightly overpaid by .25 - .75 million, but I think its a shot they needed to take.

You haven't actually watched Wideman play much have you? Both contracts are bad but Bouwmeester>>>>Wideman. By a mile.
- GuyLaDouche

Bouwmeester has had a rough last few years with Calgary, and by no means has been a fan favorite. Now, you can argue that their defense as a whole wasnt overly strong and that a new coaching system may help...but bringing in another offensive defenseman like Wideman allows Feaster to move Jbo if he can find an interested team.

By no means do I say Bouwmeester is better than Wideman by a mile. They are rather similar in their play, both can put up points and both can cough up the puck.

I can't say that I have seen Wideman play a whole bunch but from what I have heard they are going have different roles on this team. The Flames needed someone desperately to play the point on their PP as well...Bouwmeester is definitely not that guy.

They had a hole and needed to fill it. Maybe slightly overpaid by .25 - .75 million, but I think its a shot they needed to take.
- The-Dalai-Lama

Fairly accurate They needed more offensive from their backend and Wideman will certainly help in that department. He will have to be paired with somone who can cover his butt, however.

Bouwmeester has had a rough last few years with Calgary, and by no means has been a fan favorite. Now, you can argue that their defense as a whole wasnt overly strong and that a new coaching system may help...but bringing in another offensive defenseman like Wideman allows Feaster to move Jbo if he can find an interested team.

By no means do I say Bouwmeester is better than Wideman by a mile. They are rather similar in their play, both can put up points and both can cough up the puck.
- noename09

Jbo - better skater
wideman - better on the point and passing, he seems to be an "ok" skater.
neither play the body aggressively

the upside of them playing together is that if wideman is caught up making a pass or going for a shot. Jbo is a good enough skater to get back and cover for him. Seems to be the complaint I've heard the most about Wideman is his skating, so Jbo is a good trade off for that

Fairly accurate They needed more offensive from their backend and Wideman will certainly help in that department. He will have to be paired with somone who can cover his butt, however.
- noename09

Bouwmeester can create offense but it's more by jumping up into the play. His passing skills and shot aren't up to par for most first unit pp d-men in NHL, hence bringing in Wideman.

Jbo - better skater
wideman - better on the point and passing, he seems to be an "ok" skater.
neither play the body aggressively

the upside of them playing together is that if wideman is caught up making a pass or going for a shot. Jbo is a good enough skater to get back and cover for him. Seems to be the complaint I've heard the most about Wideman is his skating, so Jbo is a good trade off for that
- numbear

I'm going to be optimistic on Wideman. For someone who is getting ripped so much it's hard to believe he has averaged around 24 minutes per game for the past 3 seasons...can't be THAT bad in his own end or that bad of a skater.

I can't believe the bashing JBO takes. He's overpaid yes but many other teams would've paid that to get him, his point production is down, no doubt about that but he plays 26 -28 mins a game against the top players. When he's gone it might be one of those "be careful what you wish for"...

I'm going to be optimistic on Wideman. For someone who is getting ripped so much it's hard to believe he has averaged around 24 minutes per game for the past 3 seasons...can't be THAT bad in his own end or that bad of a skater.
- The-Dalai-Lama

Agreed! It's like Karlsson in Ottawa. (lets be clear I'm not saying Wideman = Karlsson) Outstanding offense and a little soft in his own end. All teams need that offensive D man but getting it will cost you a little in your own end. (aside from Listrom)

I can't believe the bashing JBO takes. He's overpaid yes but many other teams would've paid that to get him, his point production is down, no doubt about that but he plays 26 -28 mins a game against the top players. When he's gone it might be one of those "be careful what you wish for"...
- KABLOOEY

Definitely....if he makes 5 mil per year he's SO BOSS

Agreed! It's like Karlsson in Ottawa. (lets be clear I'm not saying Wideman = Karlsson) Outstanding offense and a little soft in his own end. All teams need that offensive D man but getting it will cost you a little in your own end. (aside from Listrom)
- KABLOOEY

I can't believe you just said Wideman is as good as Karlsson

But you're right. If you are sick in your own end AND can QB a pp you're making 7.5-8 mil

I can't believe you just said Wideman is as good as Karlsson

But you're right. If you are sick in your own end AND can QB a pp you're making 7.5-8 mil
- The-Dalai-Lama

I can't believe the bashing JBO takes. He's overpaid yes but many other teams would've paid that to get him, his point production is down, no doubt about that but he plays 26 -28 mins a game against the top players. When he's gone it might be one of those "be careful what you wish for"...
- KABLOOEY

I agree. Calgary has nobody else who can take those tough minutes against the other teams top lines. Yes he's soft and his offence has all but disappeared but he's good in his own end. I think Wideman makes Babchuck obsolete. Buy him out if they can't find him a new home and let someone at a sub $1million contract take his place and the Flames are still ahead salary wise.

I can't believe you just said Wideman is as good as Karlsson

But you're right. If you are sick in your own end AND can QB a pp you're making 7.5-8 mil
- The-Dalai-Lama

Some yahoo on the radio said there has been discussion of JBo to COL for Stastny.

I don't think it would ever happen but would you do it?

I agree. Calgary has nobody else who can take those tough minutes against the other teams top lines. Yes he's soft and his offence has all but disappeared but he's good in his own end. I think Wideman makes Babchuck obsolete. Buy him out if they can't find him a new home and let someone at a sub $1million contract take his place and the Flames are still ahead salary wise.
- tincup

Yeah I think this is the last year on the Babchuk contract. He'll likely be dealt at the deadline.

I can't believe the bashing JBO takes. He's overpaid yes but many other teams would've paid that to get him, his point production is down, no doubt about that but he plays 26 -28 mins a game against the top players. When he's gone it might be one of those "be careful what you wish for"...
- KABLOOEY

Even further, the bashing Feaster takes....Im not sure if most hockey fans are aware that hes only been around for a short period of time so far with the Flames...seems like many think hes personally responsible for the current "short-comings" of the team....

Some yahoo on the radio said there has been discussion of JBo to COL for Stastny.

I don't think it would ever happen but would you do it?
- KABLOOEY

Personally, Id rather move for even younger pieces. But if there was ever a deal where Jbo was the center piece for Stastny, you do that all day!

Even further, the bashing Feaster takes....Im not sure if most hockey fans are aware that hes only been around for a short period of time so far with the Flames...seems like many think hes personally responsible for the current "short-comings" of the team....
- noename09

I honestly think it's just trolling.

Some yahoo on the radio said there has been discussion of JBo to COL for Stastny.

I don't think it would ever happen but would you do it?
- KABLOOEY

Oh man I don't know haha. I would probably do it. Only because the Flames are way worse up the middle than they are on D.

Or I would do Bouwmeester and Backlund for Stastny and a 1st.

Oh man I don't know haha. I would probably do it. Only because the Flames are way worse up the middle than they are on D.

Or I would do Bouwmeester and Backlund for Stastny and a 1st.
- The-Dalai-Lama

In a second!!! Would never happen though.