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Chat Reel: Craig Button
Calgary GM looking forward to the expectations
Posted: Wednesday June 21, 2000 06:23 PM
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With Grant Fuhr leaving Calgary the Flames main priority will be to solidify the goaltending position. Ian Tomlinson/Allsport |
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NHL Draft chat with Calgary Flames GM Craig Button. Welcome Mr. Button. Thanks for joining us.
Craig Button: Thank you.
From Guest: What immediate changes do you think the Flames have to make in order to make it into the Playoffs?
Craig Button: I think that the main thing we have to do is solidify goaltending position. That will allow us to have the confidence to win the tight games that we can look back on at the end of the season and realize that goaltending can help you through those tight times.
From Adam in Calgary, Alb.: At your press conference you said you won't use the term small market. You said that all teams have different parameters to work under. What are the Flames favorable parameters and how are they different from other teams?
Craig Button: I think that No. 1 there's a core of players here that are very good. When you have the right players in place you can more forward, and we have those. We need to strengthen the players around them so we can forge ahead. No. 2 there's an expectation level here in Calgary that the team should be good and I think that's a positive.
From Guest: Val Bure had a good season last year, but when the other teams started focusing in on him he struggled a bit. How do you think he'll handle it this year?
Craig Button: I think Val will handle it very well. It is easy to focus on a specific player when there's a small group to focus on. If we can solidify the players around him it will allow him to have a support group that he can depend on when his tank starts to run low at the end of a long game.
From bcflamesfan: Good afternoon, what kind of trades can we expect at the draft this weekend? Will you trade up to try and get the No. 1 pick or trade our No. 1 pick for a player that can help us now?
Craig Button: I'll answer in a general sense. The thing you have to look at when making a transaction is how will it make your team better, and the end of the day the balance sheet has to show your team in a stronger position. You'll always have to decide if what you're giving up will make the team better.
From Marty in Lethbridge, Alb: I was wondering what your view was on the state of the talent in the Flames' farm system. Are there any players that you see making an impact this upcoming season for the Flames?
Craig Button: Well, I don't see any players coming in immediately. Chris St. Claude, Rico Fata and Daniel Tkachuck show promise - none are ready to make an impact but show they can challenge for a position on your team. That's the task in front of them.
From Nick in Calgary: Al Coates in the past has mentioned that he was modeling the Flames as a "New Jersey Devils" type of team. Do you think the Flames are capable of playing this style with their smaller forwards and defensemen?
Craig Button: Well, we have a lot of skill, speed and it's how you want to use your speed and quickness. We want to create an environment where we can best use our strengths.
From Penny in Calgary, Alb.: Who'll be designated as the No. 1 goalie after Grant Fuhr?
Craig Button: That's the area we have to strengthen - I can't answer because the player that may take over may not be here. There certainly isn't an heir apparent.
From Kevin McKenzie in Calgary, Alb.: How much importance do you place on making the playoffs this year? Does the club see this as vital to long term existence in Calgary? Would you sacrifice some "tomorrow" to help make the playoffs?
Craig Button: I think the most important thing is that we set our goals to be in the playoffs and have success - this team hasn't made the playoffs in four years. It's important for our young guys to have success at that level. You're never trying to compromise the long-term viability for the short-term. But the expectations around here are that we're in the playoffs and that we have success once we get there.
From Guest: What are your views on the top European, Pavel Vorobiev? Is he the real deal?
Craig Button: He's a very talented player. Good speed, good size, makes good plays, shows a desire to score. A good player.
From David Bird in Calgary, Alb.: What's the main difference in your job with the Flames than it was when you were in Dallas?
Craig Button: The main difference my job was on player personnel but my input wasn't on a day-to-day basis. My job here is to provide direction and impetus to be successful in all the areas necessary to have a successful organization. That's where the biggest difference will be.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have for today. Thanks again for joining us, Mr. Button. Good Luck in the draft.
Craig Button: Thank you.
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