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Canada, AB • Canada •
When I saw that Ian White signed, the first thing I read after it was referring to what moves the Flames were going to make to allow this to happen. So to be clear, they don't need to make any. Simply demoting expensive players under the guise that they were outplayed in camp would suffice. In reality having two guys in your minors who are legitimate nhl'rs would be a huge bonus for a club in the playoffs, if Kotalik and Staios do get demoted you have to admit they are pretty great back up plans. The issue becomes are they okay with being back up plans and the answer is probably not. There will be injuries this year and at some point someone may take a flyer on a guy like Staios, who is perfectly able to play on most teams. Kotalik has a big hit in terms of salary but he may actually get a team 25 goals, in fact he has proven that he can on a pretty consistent basis. If that sort of move happens I could see it around Christmas time or even the trade deadline but probably not before camp as most teams are set.

The next thing that White's contract makes you wonder about is next year, it seems obvious to fans that Giordano and White are the two best defensemen this team has and now Giordano and White both become unrestricted free agents next year unless a contract can be worked out. Looks like Feaster, who is the Flame's contract guy now, has his hands full already! Regehr and Sarich are two pretty good shut down guys but have almost no offensive upside which is a pre-requisite in the league now, Bouwmeester is expected to have a bounce back year this year and if he does would be very welcome to stay. To me it seems like Regehr and Sarich become the odd men out, the Flames have defensive defensemen in the system who could take their position for 3 million less a year, and because they actually have some trade value it seems logical to move them. If White and Giordano both sign extensions for 4 million + and Bouwmeester is making 6+ million then there is no option but to punt Regehr and Sarich. Collectively their 7 million could pay for the rest of the defense, it's just simple numbers. By trading Regehr and demoting Staios the Flames would have saved around 6.7 million and really the defense wouldn't have changed much.

Bouwmeester/ White
Giordano/ Sarich
Pardy/ Pelech
Negrin

But as I said they simply have to demote Staios to keep the team as and demote Kotalik to make it comfortable so they are not really in a position where they have to trade now, the owners will support the money in the AHL if it means winning.

What happens if they don't win is a totally new blog.

S>O>

P.s. if anyone sees white ask him for $5.00...exactly what he's short of three million, how many team mates have already asked him is anyone's guess.
Filed Under:   Flames   White   Kotalik  
July 30, 2010 4:33 PM ET | Delete
I could see moving Regehr (if he waived) as he is a valuable asset to many teams and we could get a decent return, Sarich with a smaller contract and expiring contract is a great fit to allow us to resign at least one of Gio or White.
July 30, 2010 4:34 PM ET | Delete
oh and good blog.
July 30, 2010 4:36 PM ET | Delete
Thanks man! I agree...about your opinion..the hockey one.
July 30, 2010 4:44 PM ET | Delete
I agree that Reggie is prime to be moved. Jbow and White, Sarich and Gio as our top four and I'm feeling good about our defense. Unfortunately, there isn't nearly as much demand for a shut-down defenseman as there is for a puckmoving guy, so our options are a little limited. Washington, San Jose, maybe Anaheim... who else?
July 30, 2010 4:54 PM ET | Delete
Dallas fo sho
July 30, 2010 5:03 PM ET | Delete
If you listen to Stars fans, all they want is a puck-mover. They don't think they need a shut-down guy.
July 30, 2010 5:05 PM ET | Delete
I think we should offer Sarich to the Caps for a prospect like Cody Eakin. Good offensive upside, full of heart.
July 30, 2010 5:06 PM ET | Delete
Good read Sane. Another huge potential domino is the health of Langkow/ can determine the size
July 30, 2010 5:07 PM ET | Delete
of trade
July 30, 2010 5:17 PM ET | Delete
I think langkow has that potential too later on in the season.
July 30, 2010 7:26 PM ET | Delete
Great news! Great read.. Really happy they avoided arbitration. All three of those guys Sarich Regehr and Staios are going to be playing for other teams in a year from now and that is fine by me. The sooner the better. I dont care for who or what as long is it isnt defensive salary.
July 30, 2010 8:04 PM ET | Delete
Right on pistol pete
July 30, 2010 8:22 PM ET | Delete
Ian White contract pretty much tells me there is some deals coming especially with the news that Kotalik gag is coming to camp. Someone has to be traded in order to fit under the cap.
July 31, 2010 1:56 PM ET | Delete
You think Sutter can afford to drag out the Langkow situation to later? Perhaps the decision might happen at training camp as to if he wants to risk that spine. I'm sure doctors have given him some scary scenarios.
August 1, 2010 10:54 AM ET | Delete
I think it largely depends on his status on injury reserve, however if Langkow is healthy I think he will be playing on the team. They love him and he is a really good hockey player so if he's willing to play he will get the 2nd line ice time.
August 1, 2010 11:03 AM ET | Delete
I don't think Langkow is coming back this season. I don't think he will retire, but he seems like a smart man and obviously he doesn't need the money or to prove himself so IMO he will decide to sit this one out. However if he is healthy around christmas, Sutter will have a big problem. I like Lanks but Im kind of excited to see the dynamic up the middle without him.
August 1, 2010 11:06 AM ET | Delete
Why is it always a Center that Ek posts the Flames are trying to trade Regehr for? If true Sutter really needs a math lesson.
August 1, 2010 1:35 PM ET | Delete
Especially if Langkow's status is up in the air. We get a#1 centre, I wouldnt mind but something has go to go.
August 1, 2010 1:36 PM ET | Delete
August 1, 2010 6:58 PM ET | Delete
Hey Ek! Its spelled Regehr not Reghr. Keven, Who though? That's the thing, Stage just signed so did Joker, Langkow is hurt and is Sutters buddy so he wont be moved, that leaves Backlund. And if Sutter even thinks about moving him,... well he'd better hire a lot of bodyguards! Not to mention Sutter and Stone.
August 1, 2010 7:09 PM ET | Delete
Why not a wing? particularly a Right Wing, where we are at as of today that is the position of supreme weakness. I don't have to go over the names you guys are all well educated on the matter. Why not Stafford from Buffalo. You gain 2.5M in cap room and add a solid RW.
August 1, 2010 8:32 PM ET | Delete
No way Connolly! Ek's on drugs. Maybe Roy. I dont know about Stafford. Joker can be moved to wing. Cap may not be the issue, I'd like to see Moss go with Regher(?) Prefer bigger trade for Richards.
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