In many ways the first day of free agency was a rousing success from a Flames perspective. Sutter didn't get sucked into the vortex of stupidity that seems to claim so many GM's during the frenzy, and so managed to avoid giving ridiculous difference maker money to just okay players. What he did do was:
- Trade a 2nd round (conditional) draft pick to CHI for LW Rene Bourque. Bourque is (of course) a native Albertan who managed 10 goals and 24 points in 60 games last year, mainly in a checking/PK type role. He's 6'2" and known for his hard shot and quick stride. According to behindthenet, Bourque faced decent competition last year (0.03) with lackluster linemates (-0.02) and managed to stay in the black (+1). His GA/60 of 2.32 was actually one of the better rates out of all the regular skaters on Chicago as well.
Bourque is obviously in Calgary to firm up the Flames weak left side. I don't know if he can skate in a scoring role (ie; a 2nd liner) but he's a better option for a shut-down line than, say, Eric Nystrom (who is the same age and basically got taken to the cleaners by all comers last season). Depending on what Sutter has to pay to sign Bourque (still an RFA), this looks like a shrewd pick-up.
- I discovered this morning the Flames have apparently snatched up UFA Curtis Glencross. We certainly "saw him good" last year, as both a Blue Jacket and an Oiler. He had a nice little run at the end of the year in Edmonton, but I dont think those rates will hold up over the long run. What the Flames probably have here is a competent 30 point guy that can hold his own in the bottom 6. In addition, now he wont be kicking our asses every time we see him. Depending on the terms (still undisclosed) I like this move as well. Maybe Calgary will actually have a competent bottom end of the rotation next season?
- Speaking of which, Sutter resisted the urge to re-sign Mr.liability Eric Godard, who ended up in Pittsburgh. Sometimes the best moves are the ones you dont make.
- In the Glencross link you probably noticed the pending Vandermeer re-signing. Not sure what to make of that yet, since the Flames back-end position is a little murky. We know Gio is in the fold, just not what he's going to make. Ditto, now, for Vandy. If he's cheap, then great. I would still like to deal Aucoin and use his money to sign a more capable blueliner for that gap in the top 4, but if not, oh well...I like what we have now more than what we started with last year.
- Sign up Prust, the aforementioned Giordano, Van Der Gulik and newby Ryan Wilson. Wilson is an undrafted defender who led all OHL blueliners in scoring as an overager last year (7G 64A 71pts). He was also the Sting's Captain and was apparently considered one of the hardest hitting d-men in the league. He's always put up points (61, 75, 71 last three seasons), so it's a bit of a head-scratcher as to why he was never drafted. I've heard in places his skating is an issue, but...hell seems like a worthwhile gamble to me. Put me down as "in favor".
- In light of some of the deals signed recently (*ahem* Ryder, Redden, Campbell, Malone...), the Langkow contract is looking like an absolute steal (4.5M/year). For all the criticism I rain upon him, I have to admit that Sutter is excellent at signing the Flames established difference makers to good value contracts.
- All that said, the Flames still need a top winger to play on the second line behind Jarome. The good news is, some of my hypotheticals (Fedotenko, Satan, Williams) are still available. Although the roster is starting to look awfully full.
I'll update this post throughout the day as details appear.
UPDATES -
- Prusts deal is a one-way contract! Perhaps Sutter is looking for a pest to replace the pugilist? The numbers associated are: 475k the first year and 525k for year two.
- FAN960 has announced Vandermeer's deal to be 2.3M/year over 3 years. Not a fan, although it's not horrible considering the Jeff Finger contract. Oh well. They can't be all "Langkows" can they? This makes the signing of a Satan-type less likely I'd say.
- The rich get richer...Detroit signs Hossa to a one-year, $7.4M deal. I guess Hossa's looking to pad his stats on the Red Wings and then go for the long-term deal next summer. The chance to win the cup probably didn't hurt either.
- The FAN960 is claiming the Flames have also signed PETE Vandermeer. He's a 33 year-old career minor-leaguer and fighter (457 PIM in 58 games in the ECHL!). AHL fodder, at best.
- Word is, the Glencross deal is around 3 years, 1.1M/year (thanks Robert). That seems pretty reasonable.
- Dallas signs Sean Avery to a 4 year, 4M per contract. Now that the Stars have Avery and Ott, be prepared to HATE this team next year.
- Sutter on the Vandermeer signing, which is popular on the messageboards but is getting less glowing reviews around these parts:
“Jim is a young defenceman who fits in very well with our group and brings us the element of toughness that is important for our team,” said Sutter. “He is clearly a player who plays in our top six. Jim gives us five defencemen still on the up swing and we know we have them for the next 3-5 years.”
Sutter seems to think Vandermeer has some room left to grow, despite the fact he turns 29 this coming February. If true, the deal might seem alright in a year or two. If not, we'll have another buy-out candidate on our hands. Also, note the phrase "gives us 5 defencemen on the upswing." Hmm...who is being excluded here? *cough - Aucoin - cough*
- Sutter on the radio right now (1:20pm) stating the Flames will only offer Nolan a one year deal and feel committed to the younger players. Music to my ears.
- He also mentioned Daniel Ryder is reporting to the Flames development camp in a couple of weeks. Good news, although it remains to be seen if he's actually banished his demons.
- Another surprise - Sutter says Negrin has a chance to play in the NHL this year. I dont see room on this roster for a 19 year-old defender.
- Sutter on the loss of Godard/enforcer: "we can't justify a 3 or 4 minute per night player the way we're set-up right now...we lost to Vancouver several times last year and they didn't have one of those guys." Can I get an Amen! Hallelujah!
- Looking at other blog coverage today. For a laugh check out "Perhaps Fletcher Isn't the Genius We Thought He Was". Also, just about everything that comes out of Art Vandelay is hilarious. Example:
Does thinking Andrew Raycroft is an NHL goalie not automatically disqualify someone from holding a GM job. Or operating heavy machinery?
