Quote:
Originally Posted by Canada 02
who on the UFA market is as good or better than Pitlick and how much do you think it would cost to sign him?
Honest question as I don't know 4th line depth players across the league with any degree of certainty
Pretty much the entire 4th line + 13 forward will be replaced this summer. Ritchie gets one spot, maybe Gawdin gets another. Still two spots open. Players like this are needed, whether by trade, UFA signing or from within
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I’m fine with acquiring Pitlick, not as happy if it’s a third.
As for UFA players of this ilk: Nate Thompson, Trevor Lewis could probably be had for minimum. Both are older though and Pitlick might be more effective.
Guy like Cedric Paquette, Matt Calvert might have a similar cap hit to Pitlick.
I guess the thing is, players have to chose Calgary. It’s no difference than with the big name guys, they have to want to sign in Calgary too. It could be that the Flames put out feelers and haven’t had much interest so had to go the trade route.
The bottom six needs upgrading as much as the top 6. Ruzicka and Phillips are not bottom six guys, they need to play in the top 6. Gawdin could be a guy who plays in the bottom six this year but he needs veteran line mates. Pelletier could play bottom six but his development is better served getting top 6 minutes in Stockton.