Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainCrunch
Doesn't 3.7 million put us really close to the cap?
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According to CapFriendly, the Flames currently have just under $7.2M in cap space, including Bartkowski's contract. If we exclude him (because I don't think he's guaranteed a spot), it's just under $7.8M with 11 forwards, 5 defence, and 2 goalies.
The bottom 2 defence roles will likely go to two of Kulak, Wotherspoon, Bartkowski, and Andersson. Healy and Kylington could also make a push with a strong preseason. We don't know what Kulak and Wotherspoon will sign for but I expect them both to come in between $650,000 and $850,000. Regardless, I'd say it's safe to assume the bottom 2 d-men will be paid between $1.3M and $1.5M total.
If we go with $1.5M to be safe, that leaves $6.3M for 3 forwards.
The 14th forward will come in between $650,000 (Hathaway or Gazdic) and $925,000 (Jankowski or Foo). If we assume the high end of that range, it leaves $5.35M for Bennett and one more forward.
Giving Jagr $3.7M straight-up wouldn't work because that would leave only $1.65M for Bennett.
They could get creative with bonuses similar to Iginla's deal with Boston, but that would create its own problems. Tkachuk is already likely to earn a decent amount of bonus money which could carryover. The cap isn't likely to increase much next year, and the only significant contract that the Flames have ending next year is Stajan's and most of his money will likely go to re-signing Backlund.