On the heels of one of the biggest trades for Calgary in the last few years, the next big question-mark still remains: Will Brad Stuart sign with the Flames?
Undeniably, Brad Stuart fits into all things Calgary Flames. There is an obvious roster spot for him in the top 4 (arguably top 2) D-men spots and he also fits the stereotypical “Sutter Requirements”
A. Must have played for a Sutter at one point in his career
B. Must be a hard-nosed Alberta Boy
Sutter also seems to have a soft-spot for talented defensemen and a team built around sound defensive play, which only amplifies Stuart’s value to Mr. Sutter.
Those in favour of Stuart signing a deal in Calgary read below
1. Stuart fits into a large portion of the “Sutter Requirements”
Being coached by Sutter in his formative rookie years establishes a strong working-relationship with the Flames GM as well as the current assistant coach Rich Preston. There is a nice fit for Stuart in Calgary, and he has the opportunity to stick with a ‘contender’ and some familiar faces for potentially as many years as he wishes.
2. Stuart has played in Calgary before (therefore will not have his family surprised by how junky his teams’ town is in the Winter i.e. Edmonchunk.)
Stuart, of the Hitmen Alumni, split his final year in the ‘dub before vaulting into the big league under Sutter’s coaching umbrella. Having some familiarity with the city will give Stuart an important answer when deciding on signing, an advantage over signing in a new city.
3. Stuart has Family in Alberta
Albeit a soft stat, nevertheless a very important one when deciding on where to stay for the next 2-3 years. In the salary-cap era, a player has more choice on where to hang his hat since dollars are equal in all markets and this is an advantage Calgary has over other teams Free Agent shopping. This may satiate his home-sick Californian wife.
4. The Proverbial “Blank Check”
I am sure that Sutter did not give up 2 roster players, correction, 2 very popular roster players for a 4th round draft pick. Sutter brought in Stuart for this season’s playoff push, and because he believes that he can sign him in the off-season. Assuming that one side is already shored up their decision for a long-term commitment, all that is left is for Stuart to decide he wants to stay. I believe that Stuart will command at LEAST Hamrlik’s salary to remain a flame…and I don’t expect to see Hamrlik in a Big Red C come July 1, unless it is for a 1-year extension.
5. All Hail Sutter
Sutter has never mortgaged the future for short term gains, furthermore seemed abhor the idea of the ‘rental player’. So, unless Sutter believes that time is limited and this is the last year in a while that they can make a solid run for the Cup, expect that Sutter already has the inside track on a long-term deal. If this trade can remain in progress behind the scenes for over a month, have faith that the idea of a re-signing has already been covered.
That being said….
Those here against Stuart signing in Calgary, and going back to the West Coast read the following:
1. CALIFORRRNNIIAAAA
Brad Stuart is Corey (Fred Savage), and his wife is Jimmy (Luke Edwards). With Jimmy possessing a burning desire to travel to California, Corey (Brad) is drawn into his adventures that lead him to compete in a Nintendo Competition. While in the movie, Jimmy was successful at uncovering the warp pipe and catapulting himself to victory, Stuart has come up empty in his quest for the Nintendo Championship. While the Power Glove will play no role in Stuart signing with the Flames, his wife being from California, and the pair not selling their home in California when he was traded to Boston definitely will.
Tied in with this is the Flames’ competition come UFA season….
2. Ye Old Pacific Division
The Sharks have been looking for an offensive defenseman all year, attempting to fill the spot that Stuart left behind when he was traded to Boston. San Jose has the cap room to acquire said D-man, and I would suspect that they would make a push to get him back into the fold.
GM Dean Lombardi drafted Mr. Stuart when he was with San Jose, and if the Kings unload at the deadline, they would create the cap space that they would undoubtedly love to use signing a young stud D-man like Stuart to anchor their blue line. Although there could be some bad blood here with a 15 game hold-out in 2002 before Stuart was signed to a 3 year deal.
So there seems to be an unspoken desire to remain on the West Coast, as well as the opportunity to help him stay there, which may prove to be a large obstacle signing Stuart into a new slimming Reebok jersey with Flames colours. This desire to return to a team ‘closer to home’ could be the source of stalled talks between Stuart and Boston, which resulted in his trade to Calgary. Coupled with this is the X-Factor as to whether or not Stuart enjoys playing in a hockey-obsessed market, or prefers to remain off-stage when the game is done.
That being said, Calgary is a hockey market many players love playing in. I don’t suspect Stuart to be any different…
Prediction: Stuart convinces his eccentric brother Jimmy to stay in Calgary for 3 years.
Undeniably, Brad Stuart fits into all things Calgary Flames. There is an obvious roster spot for him in the top 4 (arguably top 2) D-men spots and he also fits the stereotypical “Sutter Requirements”
A. Must have played for a Sutter at one point in his career
B. Must be a hard-nosed Alberta Boy
Sutter also seems to have a soft-spot for talented defensemen and a team built around sound defensive play, which only amplifies Stuart’s value to Mr. Sutter.
Those in favour of Stuart signing a deal in Calgary read below
1. Stuart fits into a large portion of the “Sutter Requirements”
Being coached by Sutter in his formative rookie years establishes a strong working-relationship with the Flames GM as well as the current assistant coach Rich Preston. There is a nice fit for Stuart in Calgary, and he has the opportunity to stick with a ‘contender’ and some familiar faces for potentially as many years as he wishes.
2. Stuart has played in Calgary before (therefore will not have his family surprised by how junky his teams’ town is in the Winter i.e. Edmonchunk.)
Stuart, of the Hitmen Alumni, split his final year in the ‘dub before vaulting into the big league under Sutter’s coaching umbrella. Having some familiarity with the city will give Stuart an important answer when deciding on signing, an advantage over signing in a new city.
3. Stuart has Family in Alberta
Albeit a soft stat, nevertheless a very important one when deciding on where to stay for the next 2-3 years. In the salary-cap era, a player has more choice on where to hang his hat since dollars are equal in all markets and this is an advantage Calgary has over other teams Free Agent shopping. This may satiate his home-sick Californian wife.
4. The Proverbial “Blank Check”
I am sure that Sutter did not give up 2 roster players, correction, 2 very popular roster players for a 4th round draft pick. Sutter brought in Stuart for this season’s playoff push, and because he believes that he can sign him in the off-season. Assuming that one side is already shored up their decision for a long-term commitment, all that is left is for Stuart to decide he wants to stay. I believe that Stuart will command at LEAST Hamrlik’s salary to remain a flame…and I don’t expect to see Hamrlik in a Big Red C come July 1, unless it is for a 1-year extension.
5. All Hail Sutter
Sutter has never mortgaged the future for short term gains, furthermore seemed abhor the idea of the ‘rental player’. So, unless Sutter believes that time is limited and this is the last year in a while that they can make a solid run for the Cup, expect that Sutter already has the inside track on a long-term deal. If this trade can remain in progress behind the scenes for over a month, have faith that the idea of a re-signing has already been covered.
That being said….
Those here against Stuart signing in Calgary, and going back to the West Coast read the following:
1. CALIFORRRNNIIAAAA
Brad Stuart is Corey (Fred Savage), and his wife is Jimmy (Luke Edwards). With Jimmy possessing a burning desire to travel to California, Corey (Brad) is drawn into his adventures that lead him to compete in a Nintendo Competition. While in the movie, Jimmy was successful at uncovering the warp pipe and catapulting himself to victory, Stuart has come up empty in his quest for the Nintendo Championship. While the Power Glove will play no role in Stuart signing with the Flames, his wife being from California, and the pair not selling their home in California when he was traded to Boston definitely will.
Tied in with this is the Flames’ competition come UFA season….
2. Ye Old Pacific Division
The Sharks have been looking for an offensive defenseman all year, attempting to fill the spot that Stuart left behind when he was traded to Boston. San Jose has the cap room to acquire said D-man, and I would suspect that they would make a push to get him back into the fold.
GM Dean Lombardi drafted Mr. Stuart when he was with San Jose, and if the Kings unload at the deadline, they would create the cap space that they would undoubtedly love to use signing a young stud D-man like Stuart to anchor their blue line. Although there could be some bad blood here with a 15 game hold-out in 2002 before Stuart was signed to a 3 year deal.
So there seems to be an unspoken desire to remain on the West Coast, as well as the opportunity to help him stay there, which may prove to be a large obstacle signing Stuart into a new slimming Reebok jersey with Flames colours. This desire to return to a team ‘closer to home’ could be the source of stalled talks between Stuart and Boston, which resulted in his trade to Calgary. Coupled with this is the X-Factor as to whether or not Stuart enjoys playing in a hockey-obsessed market, or prefers to remain off-stage when the game is done.
That being said, Calgary is a hockey market many players love playing in. I don’t suspect Stuart to be any different…
Prediction: Stuart convinces his eccentric brother Jimmy to stay in Calgary for 3 years.
