If I was ownership BT would not be given the authority to trade away any "core" players. If BT decides to retool now it would be an admission that he was wrong and wasn't able to make the right moves over multiple seasons as the teams GM.

His only option to keep his job would be to win now by adding to the core that he created. Anything short of a deep playoff run (WCF+) is a failure of a season and would spell the end of BT's tenure.

The new GM would be responsible for trading Johnny and co---BT shouldn't get that right IMO.
- Saskabush

He just got an extension 11 months ago - this ownership group is too cheap to fire a GM, who is then going to fire another coach. He didn't draft JG or Mony, he can say to the ownership group "I tried to build around Burke's guys, let me build around my own" and sell a re-tooling of the team if he had to.

Trade-wise, he's done just fine as well, I would trust him to deal one of those guys and get a pretty solid return.

Dont you know Flash WTF????? Tre plays net, top pairing D & is a first line centre.
Cmon he's nothing but a fcking slacker haha
- Kevin R

Tre is absolutely on a short leash. Ya, his trades have been okay (a few great ones + a few not so great ones).

To address goaltending BT has already:
-spent a 2nd rounder (Kyrou) on Elliott.
-Traded another 3rd & a few parts for Smith.
-Remember Eddie Lack? Ya he brought him in too for a 6th rounder.
-Talbot and Rittich ended up being a good bet, but was just as risky as banking on Elliott, Smith or Lack.

He swung and missed on the Hamonic deal in hindsight 1st (Dobson) and two 2nds was an overpayment.

He traded a 3rd and a 5th for Stone. Resigning him was a predictably bad move but he did so anyway only to buy him out and resign him to sit in the press box even though he was outplayed in camp.

He signed Neal to a contract that looked bad before the ink even dried. He then parlayed that bad signing into bringing in one of the worst contracts in the NHL after Neal laid a giant stinky egg of a season in Calgary. I love what Looch did for us last year, but now we're stuck paying 5.25 million for a 3rd/4th line player on a contract that is basically buyout proof.


Those are some of the reasons he should (and I bet does) have a short leash. But that isn't why I wouldn't let him trade Monahan or Johnny. I wouldn't let him do it because it would be epically poor asset management to trade them now. Their value is at an all time low and they are both due for bounce-back seasons.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Monahan finally crack 40 and for Johnny to reach 100 points if next year is a full season and they hit the ground running. If they still can't get it done in the playoffs then we could be shopping a 40 goal scoring 1c and a 100 point #1 LW instead of 2 guys coming off (perhaps) the worst seasons of their careers.

Tre is absolutely on a short leash. Ya, his trades have been okay (a few great ones + a few not so great ones).

To address goaltending BT has already:
-spent a 2nd rounder (Kyrou) on Elliott.
-Traded another 3rd & a few parts for Smith.
-Remember Eddie Lack? Ya he brought him in too for a 6th rounder.
-Talbot and Rittich ended up being a good bet, but was just as risky as banking on Elliott, Smith or Lack.

He swung and missed on the Hamonic deal in hindsight 1st (Dobson) and two 2nds was an overpayment.

He traded a 3rd and a 5th for Stone. Resigning him was a predictably bad move but he did so anyway only to buy him out and resign him to sit in the press box even though he was outplayed in camp.

He signed Neal to a contract that looked bad before the ink even dried. He then parlayed that bad signing into bringing in one of the worst contracts in the NHL after Neal laid a giant stinky egg of a season in Calgary. I love what Looch did for us last year, but now we're stuck paying 5.25 million for a 3rd/4th line player on a contract that is basically buyout proof.


Those are some of the reasons he should (and I bet does) have a short leash. But that isn't why I wouldn't let him trade Monahan or Johnny. I wouldn't let him do it because it would be epically poor asset management to trade them now. Their value is at an all time low and they are both due for bounce-back seasons.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Monahan finally crack 40 and for Johnny to reach 100 points if next year is a full season and they hit the ground running. If they still can't get it done in the playoffs then we could be shopping a 40 goal scoring 1c and a 100 point #1 LW instead of 2 guys coming off (perhaps) the worst seasons of their careers.
- Saskabush

So you think he should have traded Matthew Tkachuk for Bishop as that was the asking price from Yzerman. Elliott had amazing numbers & cost a 2nd, he's still in the league. I cant disagree more with you that he is on a short leash. Ownership dont extend guys if they have one foot on a banana peel that they want to fire.
Hamonic also had an amazing cap hit for several years for a 2nd pairing physical D.
Other teams were in the bidding war that pushed the futures price up. I dont consider Hamonic a massive failure. His UFA signings have been misses, not the only GM that has tried to swing in free agency. GM's try to go that route because they only have to give up cash not assets to acquire that piece. Lucic did more than Neal but we arent stuck paying him 5.25mill, if you actually look at his salary, its 3.25 mill in real dollars. In fact actual $$$ for Lucic is way cheaper over the remaining term versus Neal & Oilers are eating $750K of that. So a buyout doesnt gain Flames cap space like a Neal buyout but actual real dollars is way lower & right now that would be important to Owners. As for trading Gaudreau or Monahan, you only do so if the return is significant. & I trust Tre to do a decent job of that.

So you think he should have traded Matthew Tkachuk for Bishop as that was the asking price from Yzerman. Elliott had amazing numbers & cost a 2nd, he's still in the league. I cant disagree more with you that he is on a short leash. Ownership dont extend guys if they have one foot on a banana peel that they want to fire.
Hamonic also had an amazing cap hit for several years for a 2nd pairing physical D.
Other teams were in the bidding war that pushed the futures price up. I dont consider Hamonic a massive failure. His UFA signings have been misses, not the only GM that has tried to swing in free agency. GM's try to go that route because they only have to give up cash not assets to acquire that piece. Lucic did more than Neal but we arent stuck paying him 5.25mill, if you actually look at his salary, its 3.25 mill in real dollars. In fact actual $$$ for Lucic is way cheaper over the remaining term versus Neal & Oilers are eating $750K of that. So a buyout doesnt gain Flames cap space like a Neal buyout but actual real dollars is way lower & right now that would be important to Owners. As for trading Gaudreau or Monahan, you only do so if the return is significant. & I trust Tre to do a decent job of that.
- Kevin R

True Murray Edwards saves a few bucks on the Lucic contract...IMO, the only thing that really matters is his cap hit. He actually contributed this year so 5.25m is okay for now IMO.
When it comes to ownership, they have been in win now for most of the last 15 years and it hasn't worked. One trip past the 1st round, ironically in one of the few rebuild season ! I think they sold at the deadline that year. Can't blame Treliving for having to go out and spend draft picks and over pay for UFAs to try to put a contender on the ice every year. I'd actually like to see the Flames keep all their picks and even add a few when possible. A small market Canadian team is only going to get a true contender if they do a great job drafting. Teams like Dallas are always going to have an advantage for UFAs so try to beat them on draft day I think. Bottom line for me is BT is doing an okay job for what he has to work with...and I suspect his job is safe.

True Murray Edwards saves a few bucks on the Lucic contract...IMO, the only thing that really matters is his cap hit. He actually contributed this year so 5.25m is okay for now IMO.
When it comes to ownership, they have been in win now for most of the last 15 years and it hasn't worked. One trip past the 1st round, ironically in one of the few rebuild season ! I think they sold at the deadline that year. Can't blame Treliving for having to go out and spend draft picks and over pay for UFAs to try to put a contender on the ice every year. I'd actually like to see the Flames keep all their picks and even add a few when possible. A small market Canadian team is only going to get a true contender if they do a great job drafting. Teams like Dallas are always going to have an advantage for UFAs so try to beat them on draft day I think. Bottom line for me is BT is doing an okay job for what he has to work with...and I suspect his job is safe.
- tincup

If they think all they need to do is sign a FA or 2 to help out the current roster, that is like thinking all you need to do is put some lipstick and fake lashes on a Donkey and it could have a chance to win Ms. Universe competition.

They need to retool. Not Tre's fault that the superstars go quiet in playoffs, He will loose his job if they just keep trying the same thing and gettin gthe same results.

So you think he should have traded Matthew Tkachuk for Bishop as that was the asking price from Yzerman. Elliott had amazing numbers & cost a 2nd, he's still in the league. I cant disagree more with you that he is on a short leash. Ownership dont extend guys if they have one foot on a banana peel that they want to fire.
Hamonic also had an amazing cap hit for several years for a 2nd pairing physical D.
Other teams were in the bidding war that pushed the futures price up. I dont consider Hamonic a massive failure. His UFA signings have been misses, not the only GM that has tried to swing in free agency. GM's try to go that route because they only have to give up cash not assets to acquire that piece. Lucic did more than Neal but we arent stuck paying him 5.25mill, if you actually look at his salary, its 3.25 mill in real dollars. In fact actual $$$ for Lucic is way cheaper over the remaining term versus Neal & Oilers are eating $750K of that. So a buyout doesnt gain Flames cap space like a Neal buyout but actual real dollars is way lower & right now that would be important to Owners. As for trading Gaudreau or Monahan, you only do so if the return is significant. & I trust Tre to do a decent job of that.
- Kevin R

Yes, that is exactly what I want him to do. But why Bishop? Why not trade Tkachuk for Fleury or Murray. We should add a couple of 1sts too

So 2.5 years counts as "several" now? Nothing but love for Hamonic and the role he played, but yes that was a bad deal. Imagine if we had Dobson & Valimaki on the roster for next year.

I don't give a flying (frank) about the "real" dollars of a contract. We aren't the Coyotes, we are a team that is expected to spend to the cap. Wasted cap space is always a bad move no matter how much of a "deal" the owners are getting. Neal's contract is still much easier to buy out than Looch's.


I don't hate BT and he has done many things that I have liked, but that doesn't mean I'm going to lick his damn boots. We waited a year to long to trade Iggy and Jay Bo and got jack-poop in return. I firmly believe that trading Johnny or Money this year would be doing so a year too early. If he does decide to trade Johnny or Money he better hit the (frank)ing Jackpot, anything less than a stellar return will have me on the fire BT bandwagon. Sorry, not sorry.

If they think all they need to do is sign a FA or 2 to help out the current roster, that is like thinking all you need to do is put some lipstick and fake lashes on a Donkey and it could have a chance to win Ms. Universe competition.

They need to retool. Not Tre's fault that the superstars go quiet in playoffs, He will loose his job if they just keep trying the same thing and gettin gthe same results.
- DuranDuran

It takes time for stars to become "super". They're playing against the best players in the world who also want to do whatever it takes to win. Imagine if St. Louis or Washington or the Penguins just blew their rosters up after disappointing first round exits?

The burning sting of failure is often a bigger motivator for players than the thrill of winning. A lot of things have to go right, at the right time, for a team to win the playoffs.

Yes, that is exactly what I want him to do. But why Bishop? Why not trade Tkachuk for Fleury or Murray. We should add a couple of 1sts too

So 2.5 years counts as "several" now? Nothing but love for Hamonic and the role he played, but yes that was a bad deal. Imagine if we had Dobson & Valimaki on the roster for next year.

I don't give a flying (frank) about the "real" dollars of a contract. We aren't the Coyotes, we are a team that is expected to spend to the cap. Wasted cap space is always a bad move no matter how much of a "deal" the owners are getting. Neal's contract is still much easier to buy out than Looch's.


I don't hate BT and he has done many things that I have liked, but that doesn't mean I'm going to lick his damn boots. We waited a year to long to trade Iggy and Jay Bo and got jack-poop in return. I firmly believe that trading Johnny or Money this year would be doing so a year too early. If he does decide to trade Johnny or Money he better hit the (frank)ing Jackpot, anything less than a stellar return will have me on the fire BT bandwagon. Sorry, not sorry.
- Saskabush

I guess you forgot that Yzermans price for Bishop was our 1st rounder 6th overall that turned out to be Tkachuk. Top goalies are still expensive to acquire so the fact Tre said fck that to Yzerman & did the deal to get Elliott at a way lower cost was a good thing. You seem to be so negative on Treliving that its easy to spin things as crap versus spinning things that could be positive. Elliott had a long playoff run that year if you recall with St Louis & played great. we get him & he craps the bed against the Ducks. How do you blame the GM on that. I'd rather have Tre as GM than several others currently with other teams. You sound like you cant stand Tre. I guess we agree to disagree on what we think of our present GM.

If the Oilers buyout Neal (or if the Flames did) he would be on the books longer than Lucic will...less money but more years

It takes time for stars to become "super". They're playing against the best players in the world who also want to do whatever it takes to win. Imagine if St. Louis or Washington or the Penguins just blew their rosters up after disappointing first round exits?

The burning sting of failure is often a bigger motivator for players than the thrill of winning. A lot of things have to go right, at the right time, for a team to win the playoffs.
- Saskabush

Yup you have a decent point. But this year we are letting Hamonic and maybe Brosie walk for nothing. Going to do the same with JG? Would love for this current roster to make some noise.

But from what I have seen the last 3 years I am not convinced.

Rangers clearing cap for a big signing...

Hey Todd are you planning on doing a draft primer this year?

McKenzie stoking the Eichel fire today...

McKenzie stoking the Eichel fire today...
- rmull905

What is he saying?

What is he saying?
- DuranDuran

Bunch of rumors that teams are circling the wagons there... agent denies hes requested a deal, but take about how much the guy hates losing etc.

Sounds like a bunch of teams have been pinging the Sabres about him

Bunch of rumors that teams are circling the wagons there... agent denies hes requested a deal, but take about how much the guy hates losing etc.

Sounds like a bunch of teams have been pinging the Sabres about him
- rmull905

If he goes anywhere the Rangers would have to be the front runners.

If he goes anywhere the Rangers would have to be the front runners.
- DuranDuran

Probably cost them Lafreniere, which I think they'd pay quite frankly. I have this sneaking feeling they are going to make a strong run at AP27

Probably cost them Lafreniere, which I think they'd pay quite frankly. I have this sneaking feeling they are going to make a strong run at AP27
- rmull905

Lundquist's buyout all but confirms the Rangers have some BIG plans this offseason. Bets on him ending in TO to backup Freddy?

What happened to Tod?draft coming up and no new blog. Clyde can you take over please?

What happened to Tod?draft coming up and no new blog. Clyde can you take over please?
- K-man25

Ohhh I guess so

Cordell!!! Wake the fck up!!! Not that you know sh!t anyway.

Cordell!!! Wake the fck up!!! Not that you know sh!t anyway.
- Clyde334

Think this has something to do with lack of draft articles...

https://twitter.com/Infer.../1311516730531942400?s=19