Post by Calgary Flames on May 1, 2023 9:11:37 GMT -6
As documented in a previous article, The Flames have several holes to fill in this offseason. While there will be some internal promotions (Zadina and Brannstrom), free agency is an opportunity to add assets for free (except for the cap space and bonus). The Flames were VERY quiet in free agency last year but they also had very few roster needs at the time. Calgary is still in a good position going into the offseason but there are a few more potential roster spots. Here is a look at some of the players they could target, although some could sign before getting to free agency.
Top 6 Forward
Taylor Hall: The veteran forward will likely be signed prior to hitting the open market but if not he would be a perfect target for the Flames with excellent speed and skill. He would look very good playing the opposite wing with Evander Kane.
Chandler Stephenson: Stephenson ticks a lot boxes for the Flames and would fit into their style of play as a strong two way forward that can skate.
Evgeni Malkin: Malkin could still be signed but he asked for a massive contract and given his age, the Blackhawks may let him walk. Ideally the Flames would sign a winger but might be willing to move Lindholm to the wing for an elite talent like Malkin.
Rickard Rakell: Another Blackhawk, Rakell would be an excellent fit with the Flames as he plays all 3 forward positions and is an elite passer.
Max Pacioretty: Patches would be another veteran forward that the Flames could be enticed to make a bid for. He could still be signed but, like Malkin, his contract ask might be too much for a resigning.
Jonathan Huberdeau: Like Patches, Huberdeau is asking for a big raise from the Dallas Stars but he might be more likely to be signed as he is 5 years younger but he would also be an excellent fit for the Flames.
Ryan Johansen: RyJo is an excellent face off man and a good passer but might not be number one target for pushing Lindholm off centre but he could be plan B.
Tavaras/Forsberg: The two Islanders would be nice targets for the Flames with Forsberg likely being the preferred target due to age and position.
TJ Oshie: If he does not retire and his ratings don't fall off a cliff, Oshie could return to the Flames.
1B Goalie/Improved Backup
Casey DeSmith/Parker Milner: These two Hurricanes are similarly aged, rated, and it's possible they will both hit the market. Both are more of backup improvements over Bobrovsky but they could easily spell Kuemper regularly.
John Gibson: Gibson would become a 1A for the Flames and requires an OG card if he were to be retained by the Stars. The Flames generally don't spend a lot on Goalies but he might be the exception.
Robin Lehner: The Former Flames was shipped out of town due to his salary demands. Could he come back on a cheaper deal?
Laurent Brossoit: Pretty much in the same category as Gibson but might be slightly cheaper due to age.
Elvis Merzlikins: Has Elvis left the building? He could be a good target if not resigned before hitting the market.
As mentioned above, many of these players could be resigned prior to hitting the market. However, there is a pretty good volume of the players there so there are likely to be some very good talent available. A line of Drebrincat, Huberdeau and Monahan would surely have fans salivating. A second line of Stephenson, Kane, and Lindholm would be hell to play against. John Gibson would give them some stability in the crease but we could see a tandem again....even a tandem we have seen before. The Flames could spend to the cap and improve the team or they could look for cheaper options and "weaponize" their cap space at a later date.
Top 6 Forward
Taylor Hall: The veteran forward will likely be signed prior to hitting the open market but if not he would be a perfect target for the Flames with excellent speed and skill. He would look very good playing the opposite wing with Evander Kane.
Chandler Stephenson: Stephenson ticks a lot boxes for the Flames and would fit into their style of play as a strong two way forward that can skate.
Evgeni Malkin: Malkin could still be signed but he asked for a massive contract and given his age, the Blackhawks may let him walk. Ideally the Flames would sign a winger but might be willing to move Lindholm to the wing for an elite talent like Malkin.
Rickard Rakell: Another Blackhawk, Rakell would be an excellent fit with the Flames as he plays all 3 forward positions and is an elite passer.
Max Pacioretty: Patches would be another veteran forward that the Flames could be enticed to make a bid for. He could still be signed but, like Malkin, his contract ask might be too much for a resigning.
Jonathan Huberdeau: Like Patches, Huberdeau is asking for a big raise from the Dallas Stars but he might be more likely to be signed as he is 5 years younger but he would also be an excellent fit for the Flames.
Ryan Johansen: RyJo is an excellent face off man and a good passer but might not be number one target for pushing Lindholm off centre but he could be plan B.
Tavaras/Forsberg: The two Islanders would be nice targets for the Flames with Forsberg likely being the preferred target due to age and position.
TJ Oshie: If he does not retire and his ratings don't fall off a cliff, Oshie could return to the Flames.
1B Goalie/Improved Backup
Casey DeSmith/Parker Milner: These two Hurricanes are similarly aged, rated, and it's possible they will both hit the market. Both are more of backup improvements over Bobrovsky but they could easily spell Kuemper regularly.
John Gibson: Gibson would become a 1A for the Flames and requires an OG card if he were to be retained by the Stars. The Flames generally don't spend a lot on Goalies but he might be the exception.
Robin Lehner: The Former Flames was shipped out of town due to his salary demands. Could he come back on a cheaper deal?
Laurent Brossoit: Pretty much in the same category as Gibson but might be slightly cheaper due to age.
Elvis Merzlikins: Has Elvis left the building? He could be a good target if not resigned before hitting the market.
As mentioned above, many of these players could be resigned prior to hitting the market. However, there is a pretty good volume of the players there so there are likely to be some very good talent available. A line of Drebrincat, Huberdeau and Monahan would surely have fans salivating. A second line of Stephenson, Kane, and Lindholm would be hell to play against. John Gibson would give them some stability in the crease but we could see a tandem again....even a tandem we have seen before. The Flames could spend to the cap and improve the team or they could look for cheaper options and "weaponize" their cap space at a later date.
