I have been away from the PC all weekend and had not heard about JBO until now. I figure this is the best place to start with my thoughts.

Currently I feel very good about this situation, and the reason is this. Even if JBO doesn’t sign here I think Dutter deserves some serious props for being the only GM who took a risk on JBO. It’s a small loss for a potentially big reward (if he does sign) because we know obviously someone will be dishing out the dollars for the stud, so, if he is that good. Why not Calgary? As well, the Prust for Vandy trade is simply genius, and accomplishes three major/minor objectives. 1. Ditches poor-value salary in Vandy. 2. Ditches Roy…more poor value salary. 3. Brings back a good value fan favorite.

As well…with Aucoin gone (4million) and Vandy gone (2.8million) and Leopold gone (1.5million) we have 8.3 million dollars departing from the backend and JBO coming in. Let’s not worry about the other players for a second, because last year we had those other players as well. Yes, Kipper makes tons of dough… and Yes the forwards (Iggy, Lanks, Cammy, Joker..et al. are very highly paid)… AND last year we paid 8.3 million dollars for Vandy, Aucoin and Leopold….which makes me want to lose my breakfast.

Think this…. unless JBo demands more that 7.5 million, which I don’t think he will, we get him and save almost 750,000 in the process. Is he worth three defensemen? who knows? and no, if you’ve got the right three. Is he worth Aucoin, Vandy and Leopold. Hell yes.

Lastly. The environment the Flames will have created on Defense will be spectacular for the long term development on the youth. i.e. Regher rub’s off on Pardy…so we get two big stay at home Shut down “D”. JBO rubs off on Phaneuf – they may be similar age, but on the developmental curve JBo is way ahead. Sarich and Gio …well..whatever. Pelech and Negrin will have a great list of “D-men” to assist their development in training camp and in fill-in roles with injurues.

Keenan’s style of coaching was outdated, and I also think having big name veterans through the ranks is as well. More often we see young kids stepping into a team with a few big stars and making noise. I say…offer Jbo up to 6.5 – 7 million…long term, and let the youngters come in. Why not Backlund on the fourth line? Boyd over Bertuzzi. Prust over Roy. Hell, give Lundmark a shot at Cammy’s spot, it’s a stretch yeah….but I’d rather see that than another 4 millioner like Aucoin come in up front or on the back end because we didn’t sign Jbo.

….err, That should be 7.8 million less than last years cap hit for “dmen” not 8.3 million, with a huge payout and a small raise pending for JBo and Pardy.

..for cap calculations. It allows you to add players/salary and it calculates the final roster. Found it at Nucks Misconduct.

Would we be totally loss if Jay doesn’t sign here it might be a blessing in disguise the money will have to assure Boyd, Pardy possibly Peters, Lundmark and or Chucko plus some money to spend on those mentioned above and have the money to call up players and not be screwed in late March. Sure Bouwmeester is the coveted Defenseman and or Defense would sure be up on the top of the NHL just like Sutter wants it but I think we really have to be smart about dealing with this situation.

i do worry a bit (read: a lot) about pardy.