I really don’t like the idea of the Flames’ shopping in the UFA market, except for a defenceman, if the Flames trade Andersson; my position is the draft and really smart trades like Thursday’s trade, are the ways to build the team. I have three reasons. First, I don’t see the players, whom the Flames need, in the UFA market. I looked for an UFA centre, and I didn’t find anyone interesting. I also don’t think the Flames should spend the amount necessary to bring in a high-profile UFA winger, because the wing position is fillable with what the Flames already have. I did see three defencemen that might be helpful: Ekblad (28), Pettersson (28), and Chychrun (26). But I can see that list getting smaller through re-signings, and I would only look to sign a UFA defenceman, if Andersson doesn’t re-sign, which appears unlikely right now based on Ryan Leslie’s reporting. (Unless Andersson is traded, I think the Flames should leave the open spot for a youngster.) Second, a big thing for me is that if Andersson re-signs, the Flames will have many players signed to big tickets, well into their 30s: Kadri, Huberdeau, Weegar, and Andersson. I think that’s gotta be the Flames’ limit on those types of contracts. Otherwise, the Flames will have too much of their cap and more importantly, given the increases in the salary cap, roster spots tied to depreciating assets. Finally, I imagine the Flames have improved as a destination with the new regime and apparent locker room atmosphere. However, I suspect the Flames will have a lot of competition from more- desirable-for-really-rich-people markets, given the increase in the salary cap. This likely means the Flames would have to over-pay in the UFA market.
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