Oilers moving on. How we all feeling?
- Trevor_Neufeld_

I'm hoping they get this one so McDavid and Draisaitl don't feel any obligation to stick around. And watching Tkachuk and Bennett just makes me sad.

Oilers moving on. How we all feeling?
- Trevor_Neufeld_

I am really happy for Derek Ryan and Skinner. Can't say I like any of the other players on the Oil.

I am happy for people from Edmonton, though; at least they have something to cheer about besides their river valley.


It hurts watching Bennett and Tkachuk. But i would like them to win a cup. Was not going to happen in Calgary.

Oilers moving on. How we all feeling?
- Trevor_Neufeld_

Warm and fuzzy.

I am really happy for Derek Ryan and Skinner. Can't say I like any of the other players on the Oil.

I am happy for people from Edmonton, though; at least they have something to cheer about besides their river valley.


It hurts watching Bennett and Tkachuk. But i would like them to win a cup. Was not going to happen in Calgary.
- DuranDuran

Makes one think about the roots of the roster. That divide in the team when Tkachuk seemingly had enough after the puck flip. The organization stood behind the group led by Backlund and Giordano that didn’t want to “go to war every night.”

Matthew was right, and he found a team that will and has reached the Cup Final every year since leaving. Sutter tried to get the team playing to that tune and got a some of the core doing it for a season before the new guys forced their hand. Wild stuff.

The only positive I can drag out of all of it is that the Flames surely must find themselves as the underdogs moving forward. No longer a good team underperforming. That should be a nice change.

Makes one think about the roots of the roster. That divide in the team when Tkachuk seemingly had enough after the puck flip. The organization stood behind the group led by Backlund and Giordano that didn’t want to “go to war every night.”

Matthew was right, and he found a team that will and has reached the Cup Final every year since leaving. Sutter tried to get the team playing to that tune and got a some of the core doing it for a season before the new guys forced their hand. Wild stuff.

The only positive I can drag out of all of it is that the Flames surely must find themselves as the underdogs moving forward. No longer a good team underperforming. That should be a nice change.
- Trevor_Neufeld_

I just hope for two things.

One, that they get rid of players that do not want to be here.

Two, that they do a proper rebuild and not just the fix the roster enough so that they "might" make playoffs.

Anyways, I expect niether to happen.

I appreciate the candid thoughts in the blog. Under this owner this team has become a tyre fire.

Go Panthers.

I just hope for two things.

One, that they get rid of players that do not want to be here.

Two, that they do a proper rebuild and not just the fix the roster enough so that they "might" make playoffs.

Anyways, I expect niether to happen.

I appreciate the candid thoughts in the blog. Under this owner this team has become a tyre fire.

Go Panthers.
- DuranDuran

Flames will be forced to do this right whether the owner likes it or not. Trade anyone that won’t be a factor for when the new barn opens.

Hopefully Edwards hears fans or reality sinks in next year, short of a miracle this was always going to be a long-term process.

I got worried at the end of the season when Conroy said he wanted to find someone who can be effective with Huberdeau, and how he said picks acquired can be trade capital - that could turn into a whole new fiasco and worsen the odds of hitting on our higher draft picks. But if it ends up being Markstrom for Holtz or Mercer.. the draft will be interesting but we're playing the long game

Hopefully Edwards hears fans or reality sinks in next year, short of a miracle this was always going to be a long-term process.

I got worried at the end of the season when Conroy said he wanted to find someone who can be effective with Huberdeau, and how he said picks acquired can be trade capital - that could turn into a whole new fiasco and worsen the odds of hitting on our higher draft picks. But if it ends up being Markstrom for Holtz or Mercer.. the draft will be interesting but we're playing the long game
- eastcanadAREaholes

I guess Conroy told Kadri he wants a competitive roster. The only way I can see this happening is if they do not trade Markstrom.

This mixed message is what is frustrating. As you mentioned, going into a retool yet saying draft picks can be trade capital.

Pick a lane.

I guess Conroy told Kadri he wants a competitive roster. The only way I can see this happening is if they do not trade Markstrom.

This mixed message is what is frustrating. As you mentioned, going into a retool yet saying draft picks can be trade capital.

Pick a lane.
- DuranDuran

Fitzgerald is still very open about wanting to move that #10 pick for a goalie. He also seemed to be pretty sour about the way some GM’s were treating him. Wonder if that door is still open.

Brutal UFA class for goalies this summer. LA is going to be bidding on a goalie too with Rittich and Talbot hitting the market as some of the few viable targets.

If Edwards shot down the supposed trade of NJD's 2024 1st and Holtz for Markstrom - the only thing we can hope for is if the fact it ended up being a 10th OA pick for it be enough to get Edwards on board, but he basically said they want salary retention too.

Conroy's in a tight spot, trying to simultaneously rebuild through the draft and acquire roster players, lip service to fans and players I imagine. One thing he can do, is to pretend he's doing a re-tool, by simply telling pending UFAs he won't overpay, then he gets to trade for draft picks lol..

If we don't get NJD's 1st, I won't watch as many games if they're not going to be serious

I guess Conroy told Kadri he wants a competitive roster. The only way I can see this happening is if they do not trade Markstrom.

This mixed message is what is frustrating. As you mentioned, going into a retool yet saying draft picks can be trade capital.

Pick a lane.
- DuranDuran

They have enough picks that there is a way to do both. They need to hold on to the number 9 pick unless they're getting a legit under 26 number one centre or d man. The rest of the picks are a crapshoot. If you can turn some of them into a youngish top six forward or top four d man and hit on the rest of the picks, the team is in a pretty good spot. It also doesn't usually work out when a team ends up with a boat load of players all from the same draft class. It's a lot tougher to progress when everyone is on the same timeline.

I also get the feeling that they're going to be going hard after Stamkos and/or one of the Carolina defensemen. If everything goes right and we get good Markstrom, Huberdeau, and Kadri, the Flames can definitely be competitive next year.

They have enough picks that there is a way to do both. They need to hold on to the number 9 pick unless they're getting a legit under 26 number one centre or d man. The rest of the picks are a crapshoot. If you can turn some of them into a youngish top six forward or top four d man and hit on the rest of the picks, the team is in a pretty good spot. It also doesn't usually work out when a team ends up with a boat load of players all from the same draft class. It's a lot tougher to progress when everyone is on the same timeline.

I also get the feeling that they're going to be going hard after Stamkos and/or one of the Carolina defensemen. If everything goes right and we get good Markstrom, Huberdeau, and Kadri, the Flames can definitely be competitive next year.
- Squeaky

IF everyting goes right. That is a big IF. I am tired of IF.

So are you saying Flames should be buyers and not sellers?

This bullpoop of paying too much for UFAs to plug massive holes in the roster is what has gotten the Flames as the poster child of the Murky Middle. Stamkos is old balls. The Carolina Dmen will want to be massively overpaid to come here. All for what? Maybe making the playoffs?

Flames did not do a proper rebuild last time. The Flames traded Iginla in 2013.
How many playoff series have they won since?

Now management is using talking points like "retooling on the fly" and having "a competitive team." Keep doing the same thing and keep getting the same result.

It's time to tear it down and get some high-end talent.

P.S. - I am not shouting at you. Rereading the message the bolded part comes across as if I am yelling. My bad.

They have enough picks that there is a way to do both. They need to hold on to the number 9 pick unless they're getting a legit under 26 number one centre or d man. The rest of the picks are a crapshoot. If you can turn some of them into a youngish top six forward or top four d man and hit on the rest of the picks, the team is in a pretty good spot. It also doesn't usually work out when a team ends up with a boat load of players all from the same draft class. It's a lot tougher to progress when everyone is on the same timeline.

I also get the feeling that they're going to be going hard after Stamkos and/or one of the Carolina defensemen. If everything goes right and we get good Markstrom, Huberdeau, and Kadri, the Flames can definitely be competitive next year.
- Squeaky

IF everyting goes right. That is a big IF. I am tired of IF.

So are you saying Flames should be buyers and not sellers?

This bullpoop of paying too much for UFAs to plug massive holes in the roster is what has gotten the Flames as the poster child of the Murky Middle. Stamkos is old balls. The Carolina Dmen will want to be massively overpaid to come here. All for what? Maybe making the playoffs?

Flames did not do a proper rebuild last time. The Flames traded Iginla in 2013.
How many playoff series have they won since?

Now management is using talking points like "retooling on the fly" and having "a competitive team." Keep doing the same thing and keep getting the same result.

It's time to tear it down and get some high-end talent.

P.S. - I am not shouting at you. Rereading the message the bolded part comes across as if I am yelling. My bad.
- DuranDuran

I agree that they need a lot of things to go their way to be successful next year, but that's what Conroy says he wants to do. There is a path there, but he's really going to need to thread the needle. He does have the assets to do it. Ton of cap space and he can trade away a first, second, third, and fourth and still have a pick in all those rounds. It's also going to be really hard for them to actually bottom out. They have good players on bad contracts that are basically immovable and a decent group of young players breaking into the league.

Also, if Wolf can continue being the best goalie in every league he's ever played in, it'll make Conroy's job a lot easier.

Martin Necas.... whats your thought on him? Could be another Sherengovich? What would Conny give up for him? I think Kozmenko.

Martin Necas.... whats your thought on him? Could be another Sherengovich? What would Conny give up for him? I think Kozmenko.
- stoops2u

If he’s playing wing, we have lots, if he comes in as a center, I’d prefer a younger player. Carolina is going to want too much for him in draft picks or controlled salary, Flames shouldn’t be giving up either at this time. Stay the course!

If he’s playing wing, we have lots, if he comes in as a center, I’d prefer a younger player. Carolina is going to want too much for him in draft picks or controlled salary, Flames shouldn’t be giving up either at this time. Stay the course!
- K-man25

I wouldnt have an issue getting Necas, it would be the cost to acquire him. If it were Markstrom as the main piece & the Vanc 1st rounder, I could probably live with that. But our #9 is out & not sure what other pieces we have that would appeal to Carolina.
& we absolutely dont want to win a wicked bidding war for him. Necas probably fits a playoff contender team who are looking for that missing piece. I would rather see what we can do with Markstrom & what we would have to add to get that #10 out of Jersey or that #7 out of Ottawa. Would you take a chance on Norris & the #7 for Markstrom & say a 50% of Mangi & even throw in that #28 1st rounder we have? Norris would be a huge gamble with his health.

Would you take a chance on Norris & the #7 for Markstrom & say a 50% of Mangi & even throw in that #28 1st rounder we have? Norris would be a huge gamble with his health.
- Kevin R

I would take a chance on that but not adding the 28th, maybe a 3rd

Martin Necas.... whats your thought on him? Could be another Sherengovich? What would Conny give up for him? I think Kozmenko.
- stoops2u

Markstrom for Necas straight up?

I would take a chance on that but not adding the 28th, maybe a 3rd
- stoops2u

Would Markstrom go to Ottawa? If I am him I would not.

I wouldnt have an issue getting Necas, it would be the cost to acquire him. If it were Markstrom as the main piece & the Vanc 1st rounder, I could probably live with that. But our #9 is out & not sure what other pieces we have that would appeal to Carolina.
& we absolutely dont want to win a wicked bidding war for him. Necas probably fits a playoff contender team who are looking for that missing piece. I would rather see what we can do with Markstrom & what we would have to add to get that #10 out of Jersey or that #7 out of Ottawa. Would you take a chance on Norris & the #7 for Markstrom & say a 50% of Mangi & even throw in that #28 1st rounder we have? Norris would be a huge gamble with his health.
- Kevin R

Necas played on the 3rd line, his dad is mad that he wasn’t on 1 of the top 2 lines. I’m sure he’d play there with the Flames but he wants a big contract and I don’t think the Flames should be handing those out.
Norris is a definite no on my part, unless it’s a cap dump that they pay for. I wouldn’t part with either 1st’s unless we’re moving into the top 4 to pick. 9th and 41st to Columbus for the 4th, throw in another pick or player to make it work.

Necas played on the 3rd line, his dad is mad that he wasn’t on 1 of the top 2 lines. I’m sure he’d play there with the Flames but he wants a big contract and I don’t think the Flames should be handing those out.
Norris is a definite no on my part, unless it’s a cap dump that they pay for. I wouldn’t part with either 1st’s unless we’re moving into the top 4 to pick. 9th and 41st to Columbus for the 4th, throw in another pick or player to make it work.
- K-man25

Yeah I dont see Columbus doing that. They have lots of picks & prospects. We need to keep #9 & get another top 12 pick.

Would Markstrom go to Ottawa? If I am him I would not.
- DuranDuran

Well thats a big question, maybe Alfredsson can convince to go over.
Lebrun is saying Jersey definitely in on Markstrom but other teams are as well. Would love to know what that dialogue is.

I wouldn’t part with either 1st’s unless we’re moving into the top 4 to pick. 9th and 41st to Columbus for the 4th, throw in another pick or player to make it work.
- K-man25

What's the point of that? It's very much a quantity over quality draft this year. Lots of solid options but really only one player who's likely to make a major impact. There's nothing close to a consensus on picks 2-15 and the difference between the 4th and 9th this year is minimal.

Demidov is really the only player worth moving up for and he has a bunch of red flags.

What's the point of that? It's very much a quantity over quality draft this year. Lots of solid options but really only one player who's likely to make a major impact. There's nothing close to a consensus on picks 2-15 and the difference between the 4th and 9th this year is minimal.

Demidov is really the only player worth moving up for and he has a bunch of red flags.
- Squeaky

Really? Only 1 player that’s going to make a major impact? I think there might be a few more. Past drafts have shown that this is a total bs statement.
Point is the Flames may have their eye on a certain player that they feel won’t be there when they pick 9th. Not doubting that they’ll get a great prospect at 9 but they may feel they’ll get a better one at 4.