Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - McKenzie: Is there any doubt Russell would at least get 5 yrs x $5.5 million as UFA?

ricardodw · 02-11-2016, 11:15 AM

It is pretty obvious that Russell is done as a Flame. As soon as Hamilton signed as the #14 highest paid d-man in the league there was no rational way of keeping Russell as a Flame, even at the 2.3 he is making this year.

This is the same as Hudler was gone as soon as Frolik was signed.

With the current contracts the Flames have 24M left to spend. Monahan, Gaudreau and 2 goalies leaves the Flames with the same team.

The 2015-16 with Monahan, Bennett and Gaudreau on their ELC and Gio getting 4M (2.7M under market) was the best year for the Flames (contract-wise) to make an impact.

Hudler, Jones, Russell were basically playoff rentals that the Flames could not afford long term and will have to be replaced with journeyman or ELC players making close to the league minimum.

02-11-2016, 11:15 AM	#129
ricardodw Franchise Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Exp:	It is pretty obvious that Russell is done as a Flame. As soon as Hamilton signed as the #14 highest paid d-man in the league there was no rational way of keeping Russell as a Flame, even at the 2.3 he is making this year. This is the same as Hudler was gone as soon as Frolik was signed. With the current contracts the Flames have 24M left to spend. Monahan, Gaudreau and 2 goalies leaves the Flames with the same team. The 2015-16 with Monahan, Bennett and Gaudreau on their ELC and Gio getting 4M (2.7M under market) was the best year for the Flames (contract-wise) to make an impact. Hudler, Jones, Russell were basically playoff rentals that the Flames could not afford long term and will have to be replaced with journeyman or ELC players making close to the league minimum.