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Originally Posted by FlameZilla
Fact 1: our General Manager confirmed in his interview, regarding Byron and the other RFAs specifically, that they wanted to avoid arbitration because he had a strong case.
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No general manager wants to go to arbitration. He doesn't want to with Colborne either but he didn't avoid that risk. Why would Treliving insult Byron by saying he didn't have a strong case? He probably did have a strong case, doesn't mean the Flames didn't either.
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Fact 2: in the same interview Treliving stated they still had an interest in Byron and had tabled an offer for him.
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Did they say when? Several days of talking with UFAs and letting Byron walk. Doesn't really say anything with regards to arbitration and Byron. Doesn't really change my opinion since they still risked Byron leaving as a UFA, pure and simple that's not something you let happen to players you plan on keeping around at all costs.
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It is as likely as anything that Treliving spoke to Byron before the qualifying offer deadline to explain that, though he wouldn't be qualified they would be willing to offer him a 1-way deal at a slightly lower NHL salary. That is a very strong offer for someone in Byron's weak position, as you're happy to acknowledge.
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My main argument has been the Flames were not afraid of the money Byron would get through arbitration, something that has been cited multiple times in why he wasn't qualifed. Multiple posters have stated that Byron would
easily receive over a million. Historically that hasn't been the case. Of the probable hundreds of fringe NHL players eligible for arbitration there isn't many (any?) cases of a fringe NHL player yet to play a full season actually reaching it and receiving a large pay out. They sign before because arbitration is just as risky to them. We can keep going around in circles, but all I'm asking for is evidence contrary to this.