Quote:
Originally Posted by Flash Walken
Flames ownership has shown a willingness to spend the cap, but have been so far, totally unwilling to pay a player money to play somewhere else, whether that's abbotsford, europe or for another team.
Can't see Calgary keeping any salary for a player not in the organization.
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Kotalik in the minors for a long time.
Hagman in the minors, and then purposefully exposed to re-entry waivers already knowing Anaheim were going to snatch him (essentially keeping paying 50%)
Nilson to Europe
Kronwall signed to a one-way deal
I am sure there are others. Calgary has been very willing to 'hide' money on the Heat or in Europe in the past.
I think this whole thing comes up because people are convinced the Flames got rid of Kotalik (and paid the hefty price of a 2nd) to unload his salary because the 'owners didn't want to pay it', but Feaster has come out and said that Tanguay had to be signed, and then that offer for Richards. Add the money up, and it makes sense. Look back in history, and it also makes sense.
Flames were also one of the first (or the very first) to hide a player in Europe. Nilson was 'helped' to find a contract there. At the time (not sure if it is still like this or not) , the Flames would have to pay the difference of their NHL contract and their European contract.
They didn't play hardball with Phaneuf either - that was a big jump in salary (and you can argue whether that was right or wrong, but there was no problem on the owner's part there).
The 'cheapskate' tag has been placed on the Flames' owners, but all the evidence indicates otherwise as far as I know. Maybe I am missing something, but the owners have greatly expanded scouting, coaching, front office and have on numerous times exceeded the salary cap by millions hiding players on the Heat.