Quote:
Originally Posted by dissentowner
Again, it depends on many factors imo. How much term and salary does he want? How much does Sam Bennett and Mark Jankowski improve this year and where does the club see them fitting in? BT has said he has had initial talks with Backlund's agent while also preaching that Bennett will not be moved to the wing nor will Jankowski. I think the Flames are covering their bases in case Backlund's ask is too high. Keep in mind there are some key contracts coming up that will increase the team payroll by quite a bit and there has to be enough money to go around. I also strongly disagree with the OP saying he is our most important forward. I would rather keep Monahan, Gaudreau, Tkachuk, and Bennett whom I think has a huge upside over Backlund. Even if he will sign for $5M AVV you then pretty much have to deal one of Bennett or Janko as there will be no room for one of them. It is a tough situation indeed. Ideally for me going forward you have Bennett, Monahan, Backlund, and Janko down the middle but I am not sure that is realistic.
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Agree to disagree on the most important forward, but I think that they can fit him in salary wise, although I am just estimating, let's say they go long term with Bennett and Tkachuk, and both show moderate progression to become 60-65 and 40-50 point a year guys.
Where does that land you in the current market? 6.5 and 4.5/5 mil a year long term? This is all guesswork but let's budget 11 million for those two, another 3.5-4 for Ferland (which I think is being fairly conservative, he's done nothing to demonstrate he's anywhere near a 4 mil a year player yet), a fourth line of young/energy guys ideally around 3-4 mil a year and a depth defenceman to replace Bart at 700k-1m.
That's 20 mil and I think I am being fairly conservative on everything except maybe the 4th line. I think Ferland and Tkachuk could actually be cheaper if they don't really take a step forward.
Leaves 12 mil for a goalie and Backlund. If they buy out Brouwer next summer they'll have 15 million for those two slots and a few press box guys on league minimum.
Seems like more than enough money to me unless he wants north of 7 mil... which would shock me, but who knows.
The other scenario is if the flames owners decide to turn the screws on the fans and cut budget based on their peeing match with Nenshi.