Anglesmith
Setting up the play?
I just remember him completely stifling us (and it seemed like it was always him making plays) when we played the Coyotes last year. I'm rather indifferent to the signing, but I don't think it's terrible.
Kulak should be given a chance as a top 6 defencemen in the NHL. Owell.
Hate this signing. He's not an NHL defenseman. Would have rather just nabbed someone from waivers over signing him as a #7.
I just remember him completely stifling us (and it seemed like it was always him making plays) when we played the Coyotes last year. I'm rather indifferent to the signing, but I don't think it's terrible.
Yesterday, everyone's hopes and dreams came true.
Today, everybody's worst fears are coming true.
I'm just happy that everyone can feel a little bit of the heartbreak associated with Paul Byron last year for some of us.
There is no cap space for Versteeg and Grossmann unless all of Vey, Bollig and Kulak are sent down.Was he assigned to Stockton?
Hate this signing. He's not an NHL defenseman. Would have rather just nabbed someone from waivers over signing him as a #7.
According to my math (with Vey already assigned) the Flames are only over the cap by about $285,000. Only one of Bollig and Kulak should need to go (and really only on paper until Smid goes LTIR).There is no cap space for Versteeg and Grossmann unless all of Vey, Bollig and Kulak are sent down.
Grossmann's a big body, he was also drafted as a RW'er. We found our #1 RW'er.
In all seriousness you can never have too many veteran d-men. He either plays when we need some extra beef/injuries, or in the pressbox like a good veteran.
What's the difference?
As others have said, it makes more sense to have Kulak getting top minutes in the AHL than being the #7 here.
Giordano - Brodie
Jokipakka - Hamilton
Engelland - Wideman
Grossman
The thing is, he doesn't have to be the 7th defenseman. He could swap out with Engelland, Wideman or Grossman.
Wow Grossman is worse than I remember.
On being fair to Grossman
What should our expectations be of a 3rd pairing Dman?
-How many goals against can they factor into while playing the lowest minutes?
-What types of mistakes are acceptable?
-What factors might they add to the team?
-How quick should they be able to skate (minimum) in the new NHL?
-Should they grow and have room to grow their game?
-What's the minimum standard for being able to make a first pass?
-How well can they recognize and control gaps against a rush?
-How well should they be able to retrieve a puck?
I think we have a legitimate reason to be pissed off that he's playing and at the way he played when you compare his skill set to a "decent" 3rd pairing guy. (Engelland, Gunnersson, Schlemko, Brodin)
Even when Grossman was playing "well" last night his partner would be bailing him out of slow retrivals where Edmonton could pressure him and his passing options before he got the puck. And awkward short passes cause he couldn't skate and open up lanes when looking up ice.
Apparently Grossman was signed purely so the Flames could get the full benefit of Smid's LTIR (I also wonder if he was dressed so the league couldn't call shenanigans on the signing). We may not see him play at all in the near future. He may even get waived once Smid is officially LTIRed.
But Smid isn't LTIRd yet. Could you explain further?