Quote:
Originally Posted by Canada 02
Feaster admitted that using all 50 contracts was a detriment; suggested he didn't want more than 47/48 next year to have room for college free agents. I'd expect many AHL contracts rather than NHL two-way deals for many players who are willing
Flames have 37 NHL contracts for next season, plus Aliu, Backlund, Byron, Jones and Irving as near certain RFA signings. (Macmillan, Grantham and Comeau also RFAs). There is also Joey Leach who needs to be signed, but can go back to junior as an overage, and not count as one of the 50
That's 42 contracts, plus the need to replace or sign 6 UFAs - pretty much accounts for Feasters 48 contracts. Not a lot of wiggle room for NHL contracts to Sylvester, Rheault, Connelly etc
edit: the signed contracts for next season included Ferland, Reinhart, Baertschi and Turner Elson. In theory all 4 could go back to junior and not count towards the 50 contracts. Elson likely to go back to junior? How about Ferland?
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Very good points. Forget the salary cap, it looks like the contract cap might be Feaster's greatest problem this offseason.
It's a little frustrating knowing that the Flames COULD have landed Krug or whoever if it weren't for our 50 contracts.
Nonetheless, there is going to be very little room for UFAs this year unless Feaster can pull of some one-for-none, two-for-one, or three-for-two trades.
EDIT - Regarding some of the junior guys going back to junior, I'd have to say that normally I think they should go back to junior, but now with Ward as the head coach I think it would be better for their development if they joined the Heat (even if the cost is one more contract against the cap).