If the Flames succeed in locking down Gaudreau and Tkachuk, it practically guarantees a big opportunity for 2 or 3 players from the farm. I am sure they will sign a few cheap veterans and bring some in on PTOs to challenge the farm hands for a spot, but given the money and space issues, we are probably talking about minimum salary competition.
Mackey and Valimaki are the obvious choices that could slide in, but Valimaki's $1.55 million cap hit is a real detriment for him. Not only does he have to be better than whatever veteran they bring in to challenge him, but he will have to justify that extra cap hit on a team that will be up against it.
Is Kinnvall's stint over now? Because this could be his big shot if he signs a reasonable extension.
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"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
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