Missed the boat?

by John Fontana on Oct 11, 2005 3:30 PM EDT in National Hockey League

With the talk of Bob Boughner in a Lightning jersey, it should be noted that Bryan Marchment signed with the Calgary Flames for a song today -- just over the league minimum.

It makes me question the validity of the Ottawa Sun rumor even more, but it also makes me wonder just what GM Jay Feaster is looking for in an acquisition. "Team first" is a great aspect of any player but when you are looking for a cheap pickup - you have to go on talent before team, unfortunatley.

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Dude, you don’t WANT Bryan Marchment on your team. Trust me. The d00d is slow and he’ll be hurtin his team pretty bad with the increase speed and rule calling of the New NHL. This isn’t the #1 defenseman you traded Hamrlik for years ago ;)

by Jes Golbez on Oct 11, 2005 3:56 PM EDT reply actions

I think not making a Toronto team that has Aki Berg and Wade Belak on defense speaks volumes. :p

by J.J. on Oct 11, 2005 7:08 PM EDT reply actions

From what I’ve heard, Marchment was told that he didn’t make the Leafs simply because they “wanted to get younger.” Read: They were cap screwed and couldnt sign him anyway.

I get what Sutter is doing. The Flames defense has been a mess since Regehr went down, especially Ference and Montador. I honestly do not think this signing was made with the idea that Marchment will improve our defense, but that Marchment will push Ference and Montador to improve themselves.

The Flames have also been lacking that nasty aspect that helped us so much last season, something Sutter mentioned today. If there is one thing Marchment can do, it is play nasty.

That said, A LOT of Flames fans, including myself, HATE this signing. Logically, there is some sense to it. Emotionally, this is one of very few guys that I prayed would never tarnish our uniform, and I sincerely hope that he is cast off to Omaha or the waiver wire when Regehr returns in 3-4 weeks.

It does make the NW division more interesting though. Calgary and Vancouver now have perhaps the two least respected, and dirtiest players currently in the NHL.

by Keith on Oct 11, 2005 7:42 PM EDT reply actions