[Cali Panthers Fan]

I think Bartkowski is on the team next year as the 6th/7th d-man depending on who else makes the team.

I think Rasmus Andersson also makes the team out of camp as a 6th/7th d-man unless he has a HORRIBLE camp. That leaves 1-2 spots for UFAs.

As for the UFAs, we need someone for probably 3 or 4 years. That means HELL NO to anyone over 30. That means all of Markov, Hainsey, Oduya, Russell, Daley, and even Engelland.

That leaves guys like Shattenkirk, Alzner, Stone, Smith, Kulikov, and Del Zotto for the Flames to try and sign one.

No way to Shattenkirk as he will command far too much money and term.

I'd be interested in Alzner at no more than $4-5 million per year, but no longer than 4 years.

Stone also could be good, but not if he's going to command more than $4 million per year, he's not worth that much IMO.

Kulikov had a really tough year, but he's so much better than what he showed in Buffalo this year, so I'd be willing to take a chance on him on a 2-3 year deal. He could be had for a very reasonable price. He'll have to take a haircut on last year's salary of $4.5 million. I'd guess about $3-3.5 million for 3 years.

I've never liked Smith, so no to him. Same thing for Del Zotto.

Outside of those options, I can't think of a possible trade scenario, but then stranger things have happened.

If Kulak isn't claimed in the expansion draft, he probably ends up being the 7th dman rotating in with Andersson.