Here is the thing about Brouwer though:
If the Flames don't sign Brouwer, they are looking at promoting a roster player from the minors, so that means probably Hathaway is a full-time roster player and Shinkaruk is liely the first callup. That's not a great situation for the team. The Flames absolutely needed a guy who was a legitimate NHL top 9 player who could hopefully develop some chemistry in the top 6.
The lack of organizational depth was a huge reason why he was signed.
Ok, so you say to yourself:" The Flames were going to have to sign someone to play for them."
From that perspective things get a lot more favourable.
Other signings in free agency for comparable players include:
Lucic - 6x7
Nielsen: 5x6
Eriksson: 6x6
Ladd: 7x5
Weise: 4 x 2.35
Helm: 5x3.8
Boedker 4x4
Backes:5x6
Martin: 4x2.5
Okposo: 6x7
None of those contracts, in my opinion, are better than Brouwer at 4.5 for 4.
Lesson: Free Agency sucks and if you're going to go that route you're going to be in trouble.
Hopefully the Flames can move Brouwer in the offseason, but right now, he's a significant part of why this Flames team is in a playoff position.
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