Flames Trade Deadline Roundtable

We're now 20 days away from the NHL Trade Deadline, and as things stand today, the Flames have a 19% chance of making the playoffs. Nineteen percent. So, it would seem the answer to the question of whether or not the Flames are buyers or sellers is somewhat obvious, right? Or is it? Last week, I hit up a few Flames fans on twitter to share their opinions on the Flames' options as we approach the deadline.

Thanks to Lee Snowden, Dearen (Flames Jambalaya), Arik (Matchsticks and Gasoline), wi (hitthepost!), @bookofloob (The Book of Loob), and @DomeBeers (Dome Beers) for taking part. Questions after the jump...

Iginla Extension

The Calgary Flames do not have to sign Jarome Iginla to an extension this summer. He still has 1 year remaining on his contract at $7M. Of course, that doesn't mean they won't.

Flames ownership and management seems steadfast in their support for Jarome, and you have to think they envision him finishing his career in Calgary. What better way to squash all the rumor-mongering involving an Iginla trade than to sign him to an extension? As of July 1st, they can do just that. And I think they will. So what kind of term & money would be reasonable?

The Ryan Smyth Rental Scenario

As the February 27th NHL Trade Deadline approaches, there's been some talk of the Edmonton Oilers trading impending free agent Ryan Smyth as a rental, and then re-signing him in the summer. Of course, we also know 'the Mullet' has a No-Move Clause and fully orchestrated his move from La La Land back home to Edmonton this past summer. So whether he has any interest in becoming a rental at this time is unkown.

What we do know is this -- Ryan Smyth is an Oiler. Period. He bleeds copper & blue... err blue & orange... or whatever. He left a playoff-calibre team in Los Angeles for the rebuilding Oilers because his heart simply wasn't in LA. He wants to retire an Oiler.

So how do you think he feels about the idea of moving to a contender?

Welcome To Ross Creek...

So, I've decided to open up a 'blogspot' for those rare moments that I feel like writing something more than 140 characters. Hockey will be the primary topic, but it is my place, so I'll talk about whatever the fuck I feel like. We'll see how things go, as this will be a work-in-progress, and I may or may not post with any regularity. In the meantime, welcome to Ross Creek...