Quote:
Originally Posted by Bingo
Specifically the "they have to approach us"?
I think it's an attempt to show respect to veteran players that chose to sign here. Make sure this isn't a "moving on" event and more of a "what's best for both sides" decision.
Fear of UFAs leaving and/or not signing here is a pretty understandable, so when a player chooses Calgary you don't want it to look (or feal) like they're no longer needed and treated like meat.
Just my view of the messaging.
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I think you can have that respect and try to do right by the player but still be more pro-active in shopping them and without having to wait until the player approaches you about being open / wanting to be moved.
I also think the whole players not wanting to play here thing is overblown. A winning team is where players want to play. The new arena will also help.
In the salary cap era the Flames have had absolutely no issue attracting UFAs wanting to play here when trying to contend. This whole PTSD after Gaudreau and Tkachuk left is mostly manufactured concern.
They made bad management decisions (and some bad timing due to COVID) that led to Gaudreau and Tkachuk walking, that had nothing to do with the city really.