I have heard several rumors over the last week or so that Ronning is on the verge of signing with either 1) Anaheim 2) Nashville or 3) Calgary.
Nashville apparently offered Ronning a 2-way contract (slap in the face IMO) so he will not be going there. Anaheim may be in the running but Calgary makes much more sense. If the Flames could find the money to sign Ronning, I'd say go for it. He can play C or LW and also man the point on the PP (something we deperately need). He won't be too expensive (a little less then Oates).
Some people are saying that the signing could go down as early as today. I'd love to have Ronning on the Flames. What are your thoughts on Ronning ?? Will this happen ??
I have heard several rumors over the last week or so that Ronning is on the verge of signing with either 1) Anaheim 2) Nashville or 3) Calgary.
Nashville apparently offered Ronning a 2-way contract (slap in the face IMO) so he will not be going there. Anaheim may be in the running but Calgary makes much more sense. If the Flames could find the money to sign Ronning, I'd say go for it. He can play C or LW and also man the point on the PP (something we deperately need). He won't be too expensive (a little less then Oates).
Some people are saying that the signing could go down as early as today. I'd love to have Ronning on the Flames. What are your thoughts on Ronning ?? Will this happen ??
Not sure this happens unless a body gets moved first. The team has maxed out its budget as is, and he wont be coming in for anything less than a million bucks I wouldnt think.
Also why do the Flames need him on the point on the PP so "desperately"? Agreed they need a dman who can unload a shot, but right now the team is 11th in the league on the man advantage.
I've also read a rumour to the effect that he'll end up on the Senators with Smolinski getting injured recently.
Adding Ronning to the Flames would add depth, but I don't know how it would work out in the locker-room. On this team he'd be challenging for the first or second line centre position, which would leave Rhino or Conroy out in the cold. Iginla seems to play well with either, and seems to be good frineds with them both, so would that mean if Ronning gets the job, that Conroy gets pushed down to the #3 centre position? Or would that be where Ronning would start? Either way, it would seriously play with team chemistry.
The other thing to consider is that Ronning is a a bit of a Smurf, at 5'8". The last player of that size was Scott Nichol, who at least had grit going for him. Ronning really isn't a Sutter type player, who seems to prefer 6'0' and over tank-types.
All things considered, I personally think there are better pllayers out there, but it may involve a trade or some such equivalent. Free agency really doesn't seem to be the way to go at the moment. We missed the bus with Stumpy, Oatsie and Berard, so it may be wise to let Ronning go too.
Not sure this happens unless a body gets moved first. The team has maxed out its budget as is, and he wont be coming in for anything less than a million bucks I wouldnt think.
Also why do the Flames need him on the point on the PP so "desperately"? Agreed they need a dman who can unload a shot, but right now the team is 11th in the league on the man advantage.
Although their PP is #11, it's obvious that it stinks. The last two games vs. Mtl and Chi the PP has been shutout. They don't even get into the other teams zone for crying out loud. #11 is flattering right now and it won't last. Montreal & Chicago both have brutal PK's but they looked awesome against the Flames. They need someone to carry the puck. Leopold, Lydman, Ference & Regehr cannot do that yet. Ronning can.
I've also read a rumour to the effect that he'll end up on the Senators with Smolinski getting injured recently.
Adding Ronning to the Flames would add depth, but I don't know how it would work out in the locker-room. On this team he'd be challenging for the first or second line centre position, which would leave Rhino or Conroy out in the cold. Iginla seems to play well with either, and seems to be good frineds with them both, so would that mean if Ronning gets the job, that Conroy gets pushed down to the #3 centre position? Or would that be where Ronning would start? Either way, it would seriously play with team chemistry.
The other thing to consider is that Ronning is a a bit of a Smurf, at 5'8". The last player of that size was Scott Nichol, who at least had grit going for him. Ronning really isn't a Sutter type player, who seems to prefer 6'0' and over tank-types.
All things considered, I personally think there are better pllayers out there, but it may involve a trade or some such equivalent. Free agency really doesn't seem to be the way to go at the moment. We missed the bus with Stumpy, Oatsie and Berard, so it may be wise to let Ronning go too.
Ronning can also play LW. I'd say to send one of the kids down, perhaps Kobasew. He isn't getting much ice time and I'd really like to see him get loads of it in the AHL again this year. He looks lost.
I don't think there is better players out there as you say. Who ?? Nothing that won't cost the Flames Gauthier or Lydman or Saprykin. I'd rather sign Ronning than trade for someone and lose some youngsters in the process. Betts is also injured now so that would give them room at C for the time being. Lombardi played LW last game also. I'm not saying that it will happen for sure but it makes sense and the Flames could defenitely use his offensive and defensive capabilities.
Although their PP is #11, it's obvious that it stinks. The last two games vs. Mtl and Chi the PP has been shutout. They don't even get into the other teams zone for crying out loud. #11 is flattering right now and it won't last. Montreal & Chicago both have brutal PK's but they looked awesome against the Flames. They need someone to carry the puck. Leopold, Lydman, Ference & Regehr cannot do that yet. Ronning can.
Reinprecht's goal against Chicago was on the PP. But you are correct that it has been bad in the last few games, but the game before that the Flames had 2 PP goals. The PP doesn't stink, its just in a rut. Also where do you get the idea that Leopold cannot run the PP? I think he runs it pretty well, great pose at the blueline, great passing skills, jumping in at the right time etc.
They need someone to carry the puck. Leopold, Lydman, Ference & Regehr cannot do that yet. Ronning can.
I don't think that's the issue at all. Leopold, Ference and Lydman are all quite skilled at rushing the puck. But if the opposition team lines up 4 players at the blueline it's almost impossible for anyone to stickhandle through cleanly. At that point it should be a dump in and our forwards should win possession.
A booming shot from the point would be nice. A big powerforward to stand in front of the net (which Sutter has talked about wanting) would be a huge help. Somebody to rush the puck up the ice is not an area we're lacking in.
That said, I've love to see Ronning signed. We'd have to clear room for his salary, likely through sending Kobasew down or dealing Conroy or Gautch or somebody along those lines but I think he would help the team.
I don't think there is better players out there as you say. Who ?? Nothing that won't cost the Flames Gauthier or Lydman or Saprykin. I'd rather sign Ronning than trade for someone and lose some youngsters in the process. Betts is also injured now so that would give them room at C for the time being. Lombardi played LW last game also. I'm not saying that it will happen for sure but it makes sense and the Flames could defenitely use his offensive and defensive capabilities.
You mean to say that you wouldn't give Gauthier up in a heartbeat if the right forward came along? He's the sort of player that seems to take himself out if the play to make the big hit, which usually results in a scoring chance for the opposition. I like Gauthier, don't get me wrong, and I'm not saying that he shouldn't hit anyone, just that he should make sure that before he commits he tries to assess the situation better.
As for who's better? Well, seeing as it seems you are thinking of wingers, how about Peter Bondra or Dainius Zubrus, both of whom are very tradeable commodities right now, and the Capitals desperately need defence. Bondra's a 9 time 30 goal scorer who's having a slow start, but like Konowalchuk, would likely explode offensively if traded. Zubrus is a big forwartd that needs someone like Sutter to teach him how to use his size and not be afraid to hit people.
Speaking of Saprykin though... how much longer will he be a Flame if he doesn't start paying attention to his coach and linemates. Generally, when the rest of your line is changing, you try to as well. A few weeks ago, I was watching Sappy play and he was out there for two complete shifts, and the only things that got him off the ice was a stop on the play. I'm all for poutting your heart in and giving it everfything you've got, but when it's at your teams expense, there's a problem.
Reinprecht's goal against Chicago was on the PP. But you are correct that it has been bad in the last few games, but the game before that the Flames had 2 PP goals. The PP doesn't stink, its just in a rut. Also where do you get the idea that Leopold cannot run the PP? I think he runs it pretty well, great pose at the blueline, great passing skills, jumping in at the right time etc.
They also need a shot. Leopold can dipsy doodle all he wants at the blueline, that's why other teams don't go near our "D", because they don't shoot. Ronning doesn't have a bullet but he gets pucks on net and he is a much quicker passer than Leopold. Jordan too often has to stop the puck (not always his fault) when good puck moving D-men just fire the passes around. He and Regehr (brutal PP D-man) just pass back and forth for 30 seconds with no shots then either dump it in the corner and we lose posession or they cough it up at the blueline themselves. I'm not saying that Ronning makes us contenders by any stretch of the imagination. Without any additions, our PP will not be top 20 by the end of the year. Right now, our PP is playing over their heads and our PK is playing well below potential.
They also need a shot. Leopold can dipsy doodle all he wants at the blueline, that's why other teams don't go near our "D", because they don't shoot. Ronning doesn't have a bullet but he gets pucks on net and he is a much quicker passer than Leopold. Jordan too often has to stop the puck (not always his fault) when good puck moving D-men just fire the passes around. He and Regehr (brutal PP D-man) just pass back and forth for 30 seconds with no shots then either dump it in the corner and we lose posession or they cough it up at the blueline themselves. I'm not saying that Ronning makes us contenders by any stretch of the imagination. Without any additions, our PP will not be top 20 by the end of the year. Right now, our PP is playing over their heads and our PK is playing well below potential.
I don't think so. I think Leopold is the much better PP QB, all the Flames need is a shot from the point. I think the Flames should try Iginla back there ,he has a great shot, and put Regehr in front of the net or another one of our big defensemen.
Zubrus is a big forwartd that needs someone like Sutter to teach him how to use his size and not be afraid to hit people.
Dainius Zubrus is an intriguing case. When he first came up with the Flyers, Bobby Clarke wanted to turn him into yet another power forward. Then, he got shipped to Montreal, where they wanted to utilize his skill. He seemed to have responded better with European linemates in Washington.
If his combination of size and skill could be harnessed, acquiring him would definitely an option worth exploring. Rob Niedermayer began to take off, almost the moment Daryl Sutter arrived. Maybe some of the same coaching techniques could motivate Zubrus to really break out. That said, if Zubrus could be obtained for Gauthier, the Flames would be remiss to not jump on the opportunity.
Dainius Zubrus is an intriguing case. When he first came up with the Flyers, Bobby Clarke wanted to turn him into yet another power forward. Then, he got shipped to Montreal, where they wanted to utilize his skill. He seemed to have responded better with European linemates in Washington.
If his combination of size and skill could be harnessed, acquiring him would definitely an option worth exploring. Rob Niedermayer began to take off, almost the moment Daryl Sutter arrived. Maybe some of the same coaching techniques could motivate Zubrus to really break out. That said, if Zubrus could be obtained for Gauthier, the Flames would be remiss to not jump on the opportunity.
Zubrus? Ugh. Don't be giving up Gauthier for him. He's the same kind of forward as Brad Isbister and Oleg Kvasha. All the talent, all the size, all the skill, none of the work ethic. Dainius never hit before, and it's unlikely he'll hit as a Flame. He had limited success as a center for Jagr. Other than that Zubrus has been a big fat bust.
As to the original possibility, Cliff Ronning, I'd personally love to see it happen...but from a practical standpoint, it doesn't solve the problem. The problem is that this team lives and dies by the play of Jarome Iginla. And so far he's been nonexistent. Conroy seems to have regressed back into the checking center he was in St. Louis rather than the dominant two-way pivot he was a couple years back. So long as these two stick around and fail to produce, Calgary won't be successful.
Zubrus? Ugh. Don't be giving up Gauthier for him. He's the same kind of forward as Brad Isbister and Oleg Kvasha. All the talent, all the size, all the skill, none of the work ethic. Dainius never hit before, and it's unlikely he'll hit as a Flame. He had limited success as a center for Jagr. Other than that Zubrus has been a big fat bust.
If George McPhee were to phone Darryl Sutter, right now, and said, would you trade Gauthier straight up for Zubrus, how could he say no? Zubrus really seems to be hitting his stride this season. I would trade him for Gauthier in a second. Montador would be a tiny step down from Gauthier, but I don't think he'd be a bad replacement. Like others are saying, I like him too, but his decision making is very questionable sometimes. He does bring a lot of intangibles to the table, but I think he is expendable.
As for finding a shooter on the blue line, I don't see why Sutter doesn't try Iginla on the point. Just for the soul purpose of letting him unleash his shot. Put him and Leopold on the points, and use Reinprecht, McAmmond and Lombardi/Kobasew. Lydman, Leopold and Ference are all more playmaking, puckmoving type offensive defensemen, and it would be nice to have one of them emerge as a true PP QB, but that likely won't happen. With all that being said, the PP is still fairly effective without a true QB, but just imagine if we had that true QB?
And just for a little fun, even though I normally don't do such a thing, my fantasy trade would be Conroy, Gauthier, Saprykin and Commodore for Zubrus and Gonchar. I know the chances of this happen are slim to none, but hey, I can dream can't I? :p
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And just for a little fun, even though I normally don't do such a thing, my fantasy trade would be Conroy, Gauthier, Saprykin and Commodore for Zubrus and Gonchar. I know the chances of this happen are slim to none, but hey, I can dream can't I? :p
I know you must be dreaming on this one... Gonchar will pretty much be needed on the Caps, as he's one of only two experienced d-men on the team and they pretty much need him.
That being said, I do know that he is apparently available, for the right price. Then again, so is pretty much everytone on the Capitals roster, bar Eminger, Sutherby, Gordon, Semin and Ouellet
Zubrus? Ugh. Don't be giving up Gauthier for him. He's the same kind of forward as Brad Isbister and Oleg Kvasha. All the talent, all the size, all the skill, none of the work ethic. Dainius never hit before, and it's unlikely he'll hit as a Flame. He had limited success as a center for Jagr. Other than that Zubrus has been a big fat bust.
As to the original possibility, Cliff Ronning, I'd personally love to see it happen...but from a practical standpoint, it doesn't solve the problem. The problem is that this team lives and dies by the play of Jarome Iginla. And so far he's been nonexistent. Conroy seems to have regressed back into the checking center he was in St. Louis rather than the dominant two-way pivot he was a couple years back. So long as these two stick around and fail to produce, Calgary won't be successful.
The Flames don't need to look far for a big forward to put in front of the net on the power play. That is where Jerome Iginla needs to be. He may not be 6'4" but he is one of the strongest players on skates. It worked for Newey years ago. That's where Bertuzzi sets up on the Vancouver powerplay. Since Iginla is compared so often to Bertuzzi he should be used in a similar fashion. Maybe if Iginla rests his legs while standing in front of the net on the PP he will actually begin skating down the wing when he crosses the blue line in 5 on 5 situations.
Use Kobasew in front and let him get some confidence back.
Or put Dave Lowry there since he is good at collecting garbage goals, Or hell even put Oliwa there to disrupt things similarly to the way the Oilers use Georges.
The reality of it is unless bodies are moved the Flames cannot afford anyone else and they realistically aren't going to get anyone who is a presence in front of the net without over paying.
The Flames don't need to look far for a big forward to put in front of the net on the power play. That is where Jerome Iginla needs to be. He may not be 6'4" but he is one of the strongest players on skates. It worked for Newey years ago. That's where Bertuzzi sets up on the Vancouver powerplay. Since Iginla is compared so often to Bertuzzi he should be used in a similar fashion. Maybe if Iginla rests his legs while standing in front of the net on the PP he will actually begin skating down the wing when he crosses the blue line in 5 on 5 situations.
Iginla does some of his best work on the half boards. I wouldn't compare him to Bertuzzi at all, Iginla is more of a sniper and Bertuzzi more of a powerforward. I don't think putting Iginla in front of the net is playing to his strengths. He hasn't shown much puck tipping ability. He has shown the ability to break from the corner or side boards into the slot and get a rocket off.
We don't have a true powerforward with skill on the team and I'm sure it's something Sutter will try and address in the next couple years.
Then again, so is pretty much everytone on the Capitals roster, bar Eminger, Sutherby, Gordon, Semin and Ouellet
