Quote:
Originally Posted by 420since1974
I don't feel that anyone outside of the Top 3 picks will be NHL ready.
Barring miracle trades by BT, I don't see the Cap Space next season for anything except a $4.5M - $5M Goalie.
Buy-outs and retaining salary are options that the Flames have seldom ever chosen.
I expect that Wideman ($5.25M Cap Hit, $6M Actual Salary, NMC) to be traded at the TDL.
Stajan ($3.125M, limited NTC) will be kept to expose during expansion (each team must make $18M of contracts available).
Smid ($3.5M) is just not trade-able, so he will be on the roster unless he goes on LTIR. If he retires, I believe that his contract would still count against the Cap.
Raymond ($3.15M, limited NTC) will probably play out his contract in Stockton.
Engelland ($2.917M) could generate a little interest in the market, but will most likely play out his contract here.
Bollig ($1.25M) shouldn't be impossible to move, but his replacement from Stockton would be making $700k+, so not much for savings there.
Patience is required, 2017/2018 will be much better.
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I agree with everyone listed. But I think it's matter of comparing free agencies. This year has Stamkos, Campbell, Lucic, Yandle, Backes, Ladd, Eriksson, Staal, Okoposo, and Reimer.
Next year you might be looking at Thorton, Marleau, Iginla, Vanek, Steen, Bishop, Vanek, Sharp, Riberio, Oshie, Elliot, Hanzal, Alzner and Bonino.
Of that list Stammer is the cream of the crop. Plus I'd take Eriksson, Okoposo and Ladd over most of the 2017 wingers.