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Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
1) Getting rid of Brouwer JUST to free-up a roster spot is irrelevant. Brouwer still is NHL capable, just as a depth forward. If he is displaced on the roster, it is going to be from a younger player, in which case I will happily rather have Brouwer as the 13th forward, and not worry about making sure a young player is getting enough development time.
2) Cap space is where it makes sense to me. If the Flames NEED the space this year to make a further move, or get Hanifin signed for a higher dollar long-term contract, then it is important to find a way to unload that contract as best as possible - trade, waive, trade with retention or (most likely) through a buy-out.
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I don’t think freeing up a roster spot is irrelevant. I think another issue not enough of us are taking into account is that a veteran player often doesn’t handle being scratched gracefully. You think Brouwer is going to be happy and cool with being the 13th or 14th forward? It’s possible he might but it’s as likely or moreso that he pouts, complains and becomes a distraction. The roster spot also prevents other players from getting ice time. Frankly I’d rather have Czarnik, Hathaway or Lazar in Brouwer’s spot. I’m not convinced he’s any better than those guys so I’d rather play the younger player who isn’t on the decline.
The salary argument is merely icing on the cake.
I think a Brouwer buyout makes a lot of sense when you combine all the reasons. I don’t think trading any valuable assets to trade him salary retained makes anywhere near as much sense.