[Poe969]

Every year there are decent players who are avialable even the day after UFA starts. I don't think the Flames will sign any big name players because I doubt any want to come here, what they can sign are second tier players much like the guys they should trade. I doubt Cammy would even re sign here unless we over pay for him. If Stajan, Stempniak, SOB, Butler or even Russell go to the summer unsigned, I doubt they'd be signed the first day anyway because teams go after the better players.

Fact of the matter is, the Flames aren't really a good team anyway. Having guys like Stajan and Stempniak around aren't going to push us over the edge to be a contender or even a playoff team. Guys like that don't have any real intangibles that can't be replaced by a player that can just be signed in the off season. Another way to pick up those vets is to just trade for them in cap dump situations. I'm sure right now there are teams that would be willing to give up a cap dump player and a 4th for a 5th if we really wanted or had to reach the cap floor.

The Flames need to build the team in order to be a decent team anyway. I think they've been labled as a toxic destination for players for a few years now anyway, not good enough to make the playoffs and not bad enough to get better players in the draft. I think the Flames are in a better position after finishing the lowest they ever have then they were after a few 9th place finishes.