Great thread. I’ve been talking about cap issues since last summer. It’s actually a big reason why I was hoping Monahan would be moved last offseason, to free up $6M for the impending cap crunch. Maybe I’m just weird for always looking ahead at cap implications and future cap scenarios, but it’s wise to look ahead so you’re not boxed into a corner.
In my opinion, with the way the Toffoli acquisition went down. I think it’s almost assured the Flames will have to now move a big contract or 2 just to fit the 4 big free agents. Before thr trade I thought, ok, maybe management trades or buys Monahan out and the Flames can comfortably afford everyone and maybe have something leftover to make improvements. But post trade, now I’m thinking, maybe a Hanifin and/or Dube contract is fair game now. Likely no long term deal for Kylington just yet. Obviously Lucic if any team is interested, but a Lucic buyout doesn’t help much.
The real question is, how good do the Flames want to be and how much does this team want to improve? For instance, Sure, the Flames could sign the big 4 and go with the bare minimum for the rest of roster. But do the Flames want to bring a guy like Gudbranson back or do we go with the league minimum option? So many fascinating questions...
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