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Babchuck Questions
Posted 9:30 AM ET | Comments 18
I’ve heard both sides of the argument about Babchuck. Is he worth 2.5 million a year? Is he the minus 4 player in Carolina or the plus 14 player in Calgary? Is he defensively sound? One of the most compelling arguments I have heard that is that Babchuck played sheltered minutes, Kent Wilson of flamesnation.com brought this up first.

I think what that basically means to me is that Sutter knows how to utilize Babchuck and that he was used in an ineffective way in Carolina. This means that Babchuck does not take as many defensive zone assignments off the face off and gets easy powerplay minutes as well but you know what? He was plus 14 and scored six goals on the powerplay, that is tied for second on the team. Given what some defensemen were dragging down I think 2.5 million is a pretty good deal. His deal included a no trade clause and there has been some laughter about this but if you read my blog you know I think they’re worthless and if it gets a lower cap hit then even better.


The answer to Babchuck is that he is capable of playing defence, if he is utilized effectively then he is a bonus offensively and he has the size to not be pushed around. He’s a decent guy to have on the back end and I think he’ll be fine this year. The major question is can he log top four minutes? Things have changed since Regehr left, the minutes will be spred more evenly I believe and that should also boost Bouwmeesters output.

I see the pairings as follows:

Bouwmeester Sarich (left and right shot)
Babchuck Giordano (left and right shot)
Carson Butler (left and right shot)
Brodie (left shot)

S>O>
Filed Under:   Flames   Babchuck   Regehr   Bouwmeester  
July 5, 2011 10:03 AM ET | Delete
J-Bo is going to play 30 min a game this year if he doesn't score with those minutes I want to see a drug test or something. On the ntc it means players want to play in calgary which is good.
July 5, 2011 10:44 AM ET | Delete
Feaster clarified yesterday on the fan that it is a NTC this year and a limited NTC next year. He has to supply Feaster with a list of 10 teams he would NOT go to at then end of year 1.
July 5, 2011 10:46 AM ET | Delete
And further to your theory of NTC not really mattering look at the Heatley trade, he was supposed to supply SJ with a list of 10 teams he would go to and MIN was NOT on the list. Once a player understands they arent wanted then 9/10 they are going to go where you have a deal for them.
July 5, 2011 11:33 AM ET | Delete
Good signing, we still need a #1 center
July 5, 2011 11:49 AM ET | Delete
OK with Babchuk deal. Lets see if he can play top 4, really hoping Brody or Butler step up to top 4. We'll see. Heaven help if Gio or JBO get injured.
July 5, 2011 1:19 PM ET | Delete
July 5, 2011 1:28 PM ET | Delete
Babchuck deal is decent. I get the NTC debate but it also means he took a little less money. Hey lets look at everyone who thought that GlenX shouldn't have gotten an NTC after seeing what Cole got GlenX would have been a mill / year more if he had gone to July I think that babchuck was in the same kind of boat. Maybe not millions but hundreds of thousands.
July 5, 2011 3:08 PM ET | Delete
Yeah... the deals have been ridiculous 4.5 gets you a depth 2nd/3rd line winger: Cole, Leino, Fleischmann all getting... Makes the Glencross/Babchuk/Tanguay deals look great for the Flames.
July 5, 2011 3:21 PM ET | Delete
Flames announcment this aft...o'neil?
July 5, 2011 4:02 PM ET | Delete
Let's see what happens...
July 5, 2011 5:30 PM ET | Delete
gotta like that Carson Butler pairing (who the fuck are they!)
July 5, 2011 6:08 PM ET | Delete
Butler came from the Regehr trade, played all the Buffalo playoff games with Myers. Carson was picked up last year, played for the Hitman, BIG dMAN, A Regehr clone.
July 5, 2011 11:43 PM ET | Delete
Yes gramps sutton and barker will both be up for Norris right?? Lol
July 6, 2011 12:42 PM ET | Delete
Anyone hear anything more on a possible Hagman deal?
July 6, 2011 1:20 PM ET | Delete
No really, just that 3rd rounder rumour out of st louis from rog millions but judging by their signings I'd say that's done.
July 6, 2011 2:11 PM ET | Delete
Too bad, who else needs cap to the min
July 13, 2011 5:12 PM ET | Delete
All I can say is, I was hoping the Rangers would sign him...and 2.6M was very reasonable.
July 13, 2011 5:12 PM ET | Delete
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