Todd Cordell: Three negatives from the Calgary Flames' 2020-21 campaign

Thanks Todd...

Bang on with these 3 but I bet you were challenged to narrow it down to only 3.
Burning questions:
Is there any other coaching changes or management changes going to happen? I assume Darryl will want to bring in some of (his) supporting cast?
Who backs up Markstrom next season?
If Gio is left unprotected (or traded), who takes the C?
Why do the Flames not have a Tim Horton's commemorative stick?

I think Monahan will bounce back. He was a shadow of his former self. A bad hip affects every aspect of your game. Tough to skate, turn, stop, and get much on a shot. No point in selling low, which is why I think he sticks around.

As for the young D, I think they played better under Sutter's structure and expect them also to bounce back next year.

Go Jets.

1. I was hesitant to sell monahan last off-season as I thought he would bounce back but there’s nothing in his play for me to believe that’s the case. In hindsight even in our 2019 season it was the JG/Lindholm duo that drove that line and monahan was more of a capable passenger if you will. I’m not saying he’s a bad player but it may be best to consider moving him while he still has the reputation of a fringe 1C when in reality he’s more of a 2C. As well right now his career trajectory seems similar to guys like Derek Stepan/Derek Brassard and we don’t need hindsight to figure out those guys careers turned out.

Only reason I can see him staying is that with the exception of maybe Vegas most teams likely to be interested are probably on his no-trade list.

2. While I can admit markstrom wasn’t his best in the 2nd half of the season his play pretty much up to ward’s firing is the only reason our team wasn’t battling Buffalo for last place. Enough there for me to have confidence in him going forward.

3. Ras didn’t have a year we hoped for but regardless of what the stats say I think Gio was the bigger problem on that pair. It almost seemed like Ras was trying to do too much to make up for Gio’s decline this year and that’s what hurt his progression. Good evidence is both there numbers got better once split up and even with hanifin’s step forward I don’t think we should pretend having him for a partner does the same as what Tanev does.

Regardless of wether Gio’s here or not next year I think Valimaki should be slotted with Tanev. I don’t find it likely knowing sutter’s M.O but Tanev is like a Yoda to these young guys and I think that’s something we need to take advantage of given the state of the team

When Monahan returns, seems unlikely he'll get paired with Gaudreau, he might get Tkachuk if they go for balance (it would be interesting to see what Monahan can do when he's healthy, without Gaudreau but with a decent line mate). Otherwise it'll be a repeat of the 1st line being stacked, nothing below it. Assuming none of those players get traded

1. I was hesitant to sell monahan last off-season as I thought he would bounce back but there’s nothing in his play for me to believe that’s the case. In hindsight even in our 2019 season it was the JG/Lindholm duo that drove that line and monahan was more of a capable passenger if you will. I’m not saying he’s a bad player but it may be best to consider moving him while he still has the reputation of a fringe 1C when in reality he’s more of a 2C. As well right now his career trajectory seems similar to guys like Derek Stepan/Derek Brassard and we don’t need hindsight to figure out those guys careers turned out.

Only reason I can see him staying is that with the exception of maybe Vegas most teams likely to be interested are probably on his no-trade list.

2. While I can admit markstrom wasn’t his best in the 2nd half of the season his play pretty much up to ward’s firing is the only reason our team wasn’t battling Buffalo for last place. Enough there for me to have confidence in him going forward.

3. Ras didn’t have a year we hoped for but regardless of what the stats say I think Gio was the bigger problem on that pair. It almost seemed like Ras was trying to do too much to make up for Gio’s decline this year and that’s what hurt his progression. Good evidence is both there numbers got better once split up and even with hanifin’s step forward I don’t think we should pretend having him for a partner does the same as what Tanev does.

Regardless of wether Gio’s here or not next year I think Valimaki should be slotted with Tanev. I don’t find it likely knowing sutter’s M.O but Tanev is like a Yoda to these young guys and I think that’s something we need to take advantage of given the state of the team
- RedC21

So assume Gio is still here, is he even in the top 4?
I'd assume with your assumption:
Hanafin-Andersson
Valimaki-Tanev
Gio-?
I think Stone earned a contract, Kylington and Nesterov will be gone. Does Mackey make the jump?

So assume Gio is still here, is he even in the top 4?
I'd assume with your assumption:
Hanafin-Andersson
Valimaki-Tanev
Gio-?
I think Stone earned a contract, Kylington and Nesterov will be gone. Does Mackey make the jump?
- geta02it

I've got no issue with Stone as a 7th D. He played well enough to be in that role. But shouldn't we be trying to improve the defense? If we can move on from Gio, would we be able to take a run at Seth Jones?

Hanifin-Jones
Valimaki-Tanev
Mackey-Ras

Jones and Ras get PP minutes, while Tanev and Valimaki get PK time. Each pair has a bit of nastiness on it as well as puck movers. The cost to get Jones will be high, but not Eichel prices. We had our best season in a long time where the defense was heavily involved in the attach, but this season Gio dropped back to his normal career numbers. And that was leading the minutes played over everyone on the ice. Not that bad, but he isn't going to get better.

So assume Gio is still here, is he even in the top 4?
I'd assume with your assumption:
Hanafin-Andersson
Valimaki-Tanev
Gio-?
I think Stone earned a contract, Kylington and Nesterov will be gone. Does Mackey make the jump?
- geta02it

Yes that’s what I have and right now I have stone as the 6th, Mackey as the 7th. There’s not many decent RD in UFA that are much better options than stone and the ones that are aren’t worth overpaying when we already have Ras/tanev there. Also at best stone likely only getting around league minimum will give us more cap room to address the depth up front and worst it won’t handcuff us if things go even worse next year.

But once again those pairings are an unlikely hypothetical because even though I like what sutter’s done so far it’s far more likely Vali will be fighting to stay out of the press box vs fighting for a spot in the top 4 with him behind the bench

I think the single most direction impacting outcome will be who Seattle takes in the expansion draft next year. If they don't take someone with salary, it's going to be nigh impossible to do anything with this team to change the outlook for next season.

Flames have $13M to get Dube, Valimaki, Mackey re-signed, fill out their bottom six and get a backup goalie. That's not a lot, and though I think you get DVM done for less than $5M combined, I think they are preying that Seattle bites on one of Gio/Backs/Lucic so they can retool other parts of their lineup.

Also really hope that Zary and/or Pelletier are ready to make the jump next year.

Yes that’s what I have and right now I have stone as the 6th, Mackey as the 7th. There’s not many decent RD in UFA that are much better options than stone and the ones that are aren’t worth overpaying when we already have Ras/tanev there. Also at best stone likely only getting around league minimum will give us more cap room to address the depth up front and worst it won’t handcuff us if things go even worse next year.

But once again those pairings are an unlikely hypothetical because even though I like what sutter’s done so far it’s far more likely Vali will be fighting to stay out of the press box vs fighting for a spot in the top 4 with him behind the bench
- RedC21

I like the idea of a Jones as Travel suggested but with everything trade related, what does that cost or is he a FA?

We have some holes to plug, and some plugs to dump. Sutter is a defense first guy but likes to generate offense from the backend. Valimaki was supposed to be that guy but he definitely looked out of place at times. He is only 22 and coming off a season missed with injury. Can he be that guy?

I like the idea of a Jones as Travel suggested but with everything trade related, what does that cost or is he a FA?

We have some holes to plug, and some plugs to dump. Sutter is a defense first guy but likes to generate offense from the backend. Valimaki was supposed to be that guy but he definitely looked out of place at times. He is only 22 and coming off a season missed with injury. Can he be that guy?
- geta02it

Jones would be amazing... but also very expensive whether as an FA or through trade. Valimaki should get a little more rope next year for sure

I like the idea of a Jones as Travel suggested but with everything trade related, what does that cost or is he a FA?

We have some holes to plug, and some plugs to dump. Sutter is a defense first guy but likes to generate offense from the backend. Valimaki was supposed to be that guy but he definitely looked out of place at times. He is only 22 and coming off a season missed with injury. Can he be that guy?
- geta02it

I am a fan of Jones but in all honesty I don’t think he would be worth what it would cost to get him, as well as I am not sure he’s worth the 8+ million it would take to resign him.

Vali I think has the tools to be a decent top 4 defenceman but I think it’s less of a lock than it was a few years ago considering the lost time during important development years. Also I think he is going to need more rope than what sutter is going to allow.

I am a fan of Jones but in all honesty I don’t think he would be worth what it would cost to get him, as well as I am not sure he’s worth the 8+ million it would take to resign him.

Vali I think has the tools to be a decent top 4 defenceman but I think it’s less of a lock than it was a few years ago considering the lost time during important development years. Also I think he is going to need more rope than what sutter is going to allow.
- RedC21

I would get Jones if we could. Dude is legit.

Bennett with an awesome penalty that Tampa scored on to make it 2-0.

Don't forget Dumba. He's a UFA in 2 years, excluding this season.

I would get Jones if we could. Dude is legit.

Bennett with an awesome penalty that Tampa scored on to make it 2-0.
- DuranDuran

I admit, I chuckled when I saw that....

No surprise if this rumour is true...
"The Calgary Flames are listening to offers for centre Sean Monahan. He had only 10 goals and 28 points in 50 games this season and hasn’t lived up to expectations. He has two years left at $6.125 million in 2021-22 and $6 million in 2022-23 so he’s only a short-term commitment for a team that wants help. His deal has a standard 10-team no trade clause."
Ottawa Sun
https://ottawasun.com/spo...or-free-agency-is-limited

No surprise if this rumour is true...
"The Calgary Flames are listening to offers for centre Sean Monahan. He had only 10 goals and 28 points in 50 games this season and hasn’t lived up to expectations. He has two years left at $6.125 million in 2021-22 and $6 million in 2022-23 so he’s only a short-term commitment for a team that wants help. His deal has a standard 10-team no trade clause."
Ottawa Sun
https://ottawasun.com/spo...or-free-agency-is-limited
- itwasin

Is the 10 team list known? I'd be curious if HE wants to be here? I assume that once in a while they pop onto Sportsnet or listen to the Fan and hear that the fan base would like to see him gone. He consistently produces, though sometimes I wonder how. I'm on the eventual need to replace your hip list so I get how poopty that injury can be. Was it the nagging injury or is it time to move on? What do we see as his value?

Is the 10 team list known? I'd be curious if HE wants to be here? I assume that once in a while they pop onto Sportsnet or listen to the Fan and hear that the fan base would like to see him gone. He consistently produces, though sometimes I wonder how. I'm on the eventual need to replace your hip list so I get how poopty that injury can be. Was it the nagging injury or is it time to move on? What do we see as his value?
- geta02it

Got a new hip in December, it’s a game changer in life couldn’t imagine what it would do for professional athlete.
If they’re trading him it better be for another center coming back. Would like to see him packaged with others to get a true #1 for Johnny.

Got a new hip in December, it’s a game changer in life couldn’t imagine what it would do for professional athlete.
If they’re trading him it better be for another center coming back. Would like to see him packaged with others to get a true #1 for Johnny.
- K-man25

Johnny extends?

Got a new hip in December, it’s a game changer in life couldn’t imagine what it would do for professional athlete.
If they’re trading him it better be for another center coming back. Would like to see him packaged with others to get a true #1 for Johnny.
- K-man25

Are we saying lindholm isn’t a number 1C or do we need another 1C to platoon with him because that JG-lindholm-tkachuck line was pretty damn good to end the year.

Either way if we were to get a C back I think the team should try to move on from backlund then. I only suggest that because with ruzicka and possibly a year later zary joining the mix having backlund blocking them at 3 doesn’t seem like forward thinking.

Are we saying lindholm isn’t a number 1C or do we need another 1C to platoon with him because that JG-lindholm-tkachuck line was pretty damn good to end the year.

Either way if we were to get a C back I think the team should try to move on from backlund then. I only suggest that because with ruzicka and possibly a year later zary joining the mix having backlund blocking them at 3 doesn’t seem like forward thinking.
- RedC21

IMO Lindholm is a great 2C and lower end 1C.

We are not getting rid of Backlund unless we eat salary. He has 3 more years at $5.3m. He is still useful, but we saw how quickly age can catch up to a player, Gio went from the Norris to not that good in a couple of months. He would be a perfect fit for the Kracken,

I would prefer to hold onto Monahan and trade JG. No point selling low on Manahan.

We have talked at length about whether or not JG really wants to be here. No one knows besides him. But the fact that his wife is still in Philly speaks volumes to me.

JG is doing all the right things to keep his trade value up. So I respect him for that. Trading him means a deeper retool which I believe needs to happen.

Just imagine losing him for nothing. That would be a huge kick in the pants.

IMO Lindholm is a great 2C and lower end 1C.

We are not getting rid of Backlund unless we eat salary. He has 3 more years at $5.3m. He is still useful, but we saw how quickly age can catch up to a player, Gio went from the Norris to not that good in a couple of months. He would be a perfect fit for the Kracken,

I would prefer to hold onto Monahan and trade JG. No point selling low on Manahan.

We have talked at length about whether or not JG really wants to be here. No one knows besides him. But the fact that his wife is still in Philly speaks volumes to me.

JG is doing all the right things to keep his trade value up. So I respect him for that. Trading him means a deeper retool which I believe needs to happen.

Just imagine losing him for nothing. That would be a huge kick in the pants.
- DuranDuran

I think I value lindholm slightly more than you, I would definitely say he’s a lower end 1C (especially if we ever considered monahan one). Maybe it’s just me being optimistic but because I do believe he’s a pretty good top line winger I would like to give him more than a year at center to build up a reputation as a decent 1C.

With backlund I think if we retain his salary down to 4 million + take back a bad contract I think he’s worth a late 1st in this draft. Ex if Minnesota wants to wait for Rossi back’s could play top six then drop down to 3C in the last year of his contract when Rossi can take over. Once again I may be overvaluing but if would get something like rask and one of their 1sts for backs(1.3 retained) I think that could make sense for both teams.

I think whoever seattle takes will depend on wether they think kylington is a guy that just hasn’t gotten a chance or if he just can’t cut it in the NHL.

I didn’t know that about JG’s wife and sometimes wherever the wife is from/wants to be factors into it. It is a reason why many guys choose to stay in the cities that drafted them because that is where they met there wives.

As far as moving him goes I saw a highlight that the athletic’s Hailey salvian has him at a 60% chance of staying this off-season which I would say is probably accurate.

The problem with this team for the past decade and a half has been delaying the inevitable by not knowing when to pack it in. We probably should have went rebuild in 2011 but instead they waited until 2013, if we don’t do it now we will probably be doing it 3-5 years from now wether or not JG and monahan are in the fold. For better or worse a rebuild isn’t something I expect given management’s history and sutter’s comments when he was hired.

So back to JG if philly is the trading partner we have to make the most of it. You look at their roster and they have some pretty bad contracts along with couturier, Farabee and other RFA’s contracts up at the same time as Gaudreau’s. So in theory they probably wouldn’t have the room to give JG an extension as it stands but if we admit to ourselves what has to be done with this team and we took on voracek and gostisbehere’s contracts I could only dream of how much we would get in addition to what JG is worth with an extension in place.

Are we saying lindholm isn’t a number 1C or do we need another 1C to platoon with him because that JG-lindholm-tkachuck line was pretty damn good to end the year.

Either way if we were to get a C back I think the team should try to move on from backlund then. I only suggest that because with ruzicka and possibly a year later zary joining the mix having backlund blocking them at 3 doesn’t seem like forward thinking.
- RedC21

Hey I called for that line combination well before it happened only based on he was our best center at the time. If we go out and get a true #1 then I see him slipping to 2. Definitely would like to see Backlund traded even if it meant exposing him to Seattle. Imo Ruzicka’s going to be our 3rd line center sooner than we think.
I’m pretty sure Sutter is going to insist that we retain Gio from Seattle, so offering someone else could ensure that. Plus exposing Backs allows Tre to trade with another team that is having protection issues.
Maybe we can get that Bennett kid out of Florida.

Gaudreau's positive words, might be contract negotiation strategy. If he can cash in, he'll sign (and I think that's what got Tre in hot water with Neal, I don't think we appreciate the fact in Calgary that we have to pay up if we want to land a big fish UFA) otherwise, we hope and depend on the core being close bros to influence him resigning. The news about his wife doesn't help us.

Glad to see some of you admitting Backlund has to go. Bennett really exposed that reality - but there's nothing to suggest that anything will change, coach will want dependable Backlund on the ice when it matters.

There's also a few interesting Alberta & Saskatchewan kids, who are projected around our spot. I think one or two of them were captains for team Canada WJCH. Lots of centers from picks ~8-16 - and they might as well try to win to lotto with one of them, and then use their seconds on a decent RW

Gaudreau's positive words, might be contract negotiation strategy. If he can cash in, he'll sign (and I think that's what got Tre in hot water with Neal, I don't think we appreciate the fact in Calgary that we have to pay up if we want to land a big fish UFA) otherwise, we hope and depend on the core being close bros to influence him resigning. The news about his wife doesn't help us.

Glad to see some of you admitting Backlund has to go. Bennett really exposed that reality - but there's nothing to suggest that anything will change, coach will want dependable Backlund on the ice when it matters.

There's also a few interesting Alberta & Saskatchewan kids, who are projected around our spot. I think one or two of them were captains for team Canada WJCH. Lots of centers from picks ~8-16 - and they might as well try to win to lotto with one of them, and then use their seconds on a decent RW
- eastcanadAREaholes

Or use the seconds to trade up!