Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinny01
I think that is a fair point (regarding players signing here in the future)
I see an opportunity to really improve the team without Brouwer's contract that is not a fit. Taking Brouwer away allows the Flames to spend on a goalie if they so choose and upgrade the number 4 D spot beyond Stone (Alzner perhaps?)
It also makes signing Backlund, Tkachuk, and maybe even Bennett's third contract easier. If Brouwer doesn't bounce back that deal does become unmovable so this could be the lone instance where the Flames can dump that salary without taking back any in return. I just rather play it safe and move on now than roll the dice he bounces back. Obviously you disagree and that is fine
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Absolutely worst case scenario Brouwer could be bought out in the final year.
Right now the Flames have almost $22 million in free cap space without any cap increase and 13 players signed. Bennett, Ferland, Lazar and Chiasson should easily cost less than $6 million total and let's go on the high end and say we spend another $7 million on goalies. That leaves $9 million to sign a 3 defensemen, re-signing Stone should cost 4 or less. Replacing Engelland shouldn't cost the 3 he's being paid this year, so at worst we have $2 million to sign a #6 defenseman and Versteeg replacement, both of which IMO can be replaced internally.
Next year another 10+ million expires with Backlund being the only bigger name to re-sign.