Quote:
Originally Posted by Mister Yamoto
I really don't see what the problem is here. The 2.5 that Bouma wants is fair or even a bit low.
Sometimes the process of RFA/UFA negotiations stinks. You back up the Brinks truck for Frolik because he scored 19 goals for the Jets. Then you nickel and dime Bouma because he scored 16 goals for the Flames.
Just give him his 2.5 and be done with it.
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I agree with you, but unfortunately we are in the business of maximizing assets. Obviously, lower contracts give managers more flexibility in regards to the cap. A flexibility the Flames might really need next summer, especially because it will involve locking and setting the core of this team for the next few years.
The need to resign/move Hudler, Monahan, Gaudreau, Giordano, Russelle, and the goaltending tandem will involve a lot of work and more importantly raises. The work will involve asset exchange one way or the other, be it trades or replacing some of the players internally. That is why in my opinion the Flames would actually prefer a 2 year deal, at a lower cap number, creating one more potential asset.
That said, I absolutely love Bouma, and what he brings. On the other hand, I used to love players like Glencross and Bourque the same way*; and the return for them at the time even more.
* I realize that they contributed in different ways than Bouma