i just don't see many UFAs lining up to play for the flames. The only UFA possibilities i see are mid-range player projects who have diminshed their value but looking for a chance for ice time to redeem their NHL stock. Someone like penner, though not him exactly, as i still think middle of the pack teams would look to him as 2nd line scoring potential.
Wouldn't mind a guy like kulemin, if they can get him at the right price, which is the price of a 3rd line RW.
I think the team has 2 real needs at this stage:
1) A proven point getter to play on the top line/top 6 (ie. cammalleri or his replacement). Issue is, 29 other teams also have "get a proven scorer" on their wishlist come Jul 1. I actually think the flames will fail to land this.
2) A top 4 dman. Gio-brodie, wideman -?, russel-smid. I'm happy with this 6, though, we do need a guy to be able to take that top4 role. Yes, butler was left off, but that is because i feel he/smid should compete for the bottom pairing spot.
I think it is important the flames take this year patiently and don't get sucked into looking for immediate results. It would actually be good if the flames stay patient with the kids, and leave players at the level that is best for their development (leaving picks in juniour/AHL), hopefully improving to a top10 drafting team, though if there's ever a year to get back into the top5 again it's next draft.
I actually do think the flames get back into the top5 unfortunately next season. No cammalleri, monahan due for a bit of a sophmore slump, gio maybe coming back to earth a bit after a sensational year, and ramo having an up and down season as the go-to NHL starter.
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