[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by browna

Just random thoughts here, but I think the Flames really need (to overpay?) that one player that others in the league are somewhat surprised to see as coming to Calgary, and realizing the Flames are back on the way up and committed to being something to be reckoned with in the next couple years, and the city and organization again considered a destination for UFA's.

When Amonte and McCarty signed the same day 9 years ago, it signaled, for the first time in a while, that the Flames were once again a destination around the league. Of course the Cup run had helped but those were two free agents the Flames in prior years would've had no chance at. From that point on Sutter was signing a top free agent almost every year.

Now, the Flames haven't had the success they do prior to that year, and Hartley may be a deterrent to some, but if the Flames can make a signing for a strong character guy with skill, well respected around the league, it may have cause for other players to take more notice of the Flames. Who that player is I don't know of, but to get the wheels turning forward with the Flames reputation, damaged under the former GM, that would be an ideal scenario to start the real offseason with.

Yes. But not this year.

Next year.