Should the Flames spend some money?

[schteve_d]

Well it's looking like we're just not going to suck all that bad this year. I was prepared for a frustrating year standings-wise but just wanted to see progression in our young players.

It's early yet; an eighth or so into the season and we're doing pretty well with twelve million bucks "sitting in the bank" (cap-wise).

Should we shore up a couple of spots? Where would we spend it if we did? Stay the course and call the beginnings of the rebuild a success and look to spend in the off-season?

[Nage Waza]

Stay the course, if this keeps going until Feb, we can modify the team.

[Anduril]

Number one priority if the opportunity arises through trade is a young top 4 potential defenseman ideally with a RH.

It's basically asking for a miracle to find a guy like that but that's on my wish list in any case.

[Locke]

To what end? If they're in a playoff spot by the trade deadline should they acquire players or stay the course?

I think they stay the course. Especially with the predictions that the cap isnt going to rise and the fact that the depth exists that they dont need to spend picks/prospects on a long-shot.

This season is 100% pure gravy. I thought they'd be competing for dead last or bottom 5, granted I didnt count on Buffalo redefining 'suck' to the point that even the Oilers hard pressed to catch them and Carolina/Columbus/Colorado forgetting that the season started.

Lets just stay the course and enjoy the ride. This team is likely going to have to come back down to earth.

[killer_carlson]

The more they hang onto this cap space, the more other teams will know the price doesn't change. Someone will bite on it.

I have no problem with keeping our salary base where it is. Our lesser costing players are playing well, and our higher priced players (except Jones) are performing at their contract levels.

[Resolute 14]

"Money" isn't the concern now, but asset cost. Trades cost players and picks.

[nik-]

Nope, no trades for the present, no money on vets yet. Stay on this path, treat anything near the playoffs this year as a great bonus and nothing more.

[OzSome]

Well that's like going to back to the things they are doing before the rebuild start. Spend money and getting some veteran help and just try to make the playoff then hope for the best. I say we stay the course and let the young guys develop.

[Barnet Flame]

The players are giving everything and they are developing at a rapid rate. The character of this team and how it responds to adversity is light years ahead of where we were before the rebuild.

I'd like to see how this develops, even when we hit the inevitable bumps in the road.

Should it develop so that we need to make moves ahead of a play-off appearance, act then, but for now, I wouldn't want to change much.

[Barnet Flame]

nm

[Vinny01]

If the right deal comes along that could add a piece that can help now and into the future you make it. I think the Flames should stay the course and spend some money in the offseason where they will have a ridiculous amount of cap space

[Jacks]

If the opportunity to get a youngish star RW or D comes up then you do it. Those deals don't come along often though so we probably stay the course. No thanks to high price vets though.

[JJ1532]

Only make a move if an amazing, no lose trade comes around. Otherwise, stay the course and leave things as they are. Giving up cap space for a short term gain would be daft. We'll need that cap space to give the likes of Monahan, Johnny and Gio improved deals as the team improves and as the younger players we are building around ask for more money.

[kn]

No thanks to overpaid, entitled veterans. Stay the course. This season is gravy.

[burn_this_city]

Avoid the temptation to go big game hunting.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Jacks

If the opportunity to get a youngish star RW or D comes up then you do it. Those deals don't come along often though so we probably stay the course. No thanks to high price vets though.

I dont know. Even if that happens it has to be really, really worth it.

There are guys that are working their asses off night in and night out for those positions that are either on the team or in the system right now. Passing them over for a high priced vet had better be damned worth it because the chemistry and work ethic of this team has made it what it is and bad moves could ruin that.

[codynw]

The team is going to need this cap space in the near future when guys like Monahan, Gaudreau, Giordano, Backlund.. etc need new contracts.

[Badgers Nose]

I think they go game hunting in the summer. Someone like what FLA did with Willie Mitchell. A good vet on a short contract. Wish Flames had him and not Engellund.

With the expected additions, Flames will be an excellent team next year.

[Gaudfather]

I wouldn't be spending any money right now. Even if the Flames make the playoffs this year (still a big if) we shouldn't expect a deep run.

As others have mentioned we have some high priority resignings next summer - and having dry powder come free agency time in July could also be worth a lot.

Build and develop makes more sense right now than spending money.

[zyzz]

I'd rather see what a young guy like Woothersoon can do. Is he still out for awhile?