Quote:
Originally Posted by AC
That was my take as well. Calgary theoretically makes sense based on the defensemen likely walking as UFAs, but I don't see a scenario where Pietrangelo signs in Calgary.
I think people need to realize the magnitude of a UFA of Taylor Hall's status considering Calgary. It realistically has not happened before and may not happen again as Calgary is probably a bottom 10 (maybe 5?) choice for big name free agents. It's why I can't help but laugh when people poo-poo the idea of signing Hall... it's a prime example of "beggars can't be choosers".
Markstrom might be a different case as #1 goalies surely key on several factors, including: the city, the team's defencemen and defensive system as a whole, opportunity to play a lot of games, and in Markstrom's case I'm sure a strong Swedish contingent makes a big difference (especially if he's close friends with Lindholm as speculated).
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Besides Bouwmeester and arguably Hamrlik, I can't think of any top free agents that chose the Flames. I think Bouwmeester did have some personal reasons for signing. Hamrlik, while being a really good player for us, was paid what was a king's ransom at the time. Amonte and Jagr were big names, but both were well past their primes at that point.
It's even more difficult these days because free agent pools are a lot thinner than they used to be. The really good players tend to get locked up long term. It's rare that a 28 year old recent Hart winner is available, and if there is any indication that he would consider the Flames, I think you have to take that chance.