[News] Flames qualify 6 RFAs. Byron, Galiardi, Eddy, Martin, Roy do NOT receive offers

[djsFlames]

This is why I don't like giving the new GM full reigns when he's been here like 2+ months not during hockey season. I'm not sure he knew full well the kind of truculence Byron did in fact bring each night, despite his stature.

[CsInMyBlood]

Seriously ridiculous if the Flames don't re-sign Byron.

Who cares if he is small, played bigger than anyone on this roster.

[Street Pharmacist]

Sounds like they still would like to sign Byron, but by not submitting a QO they can't be taken to arbitration, no?

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by KootenayFlamesFan

Yes, and that's why they qualified him......maybe he pulls a Gio and improves enough overseas to come back and make a real difference. Makes sense to hold on to his rights and hope he takes his game to another level.

negligent not to qualify him really.

[EldrickOnIce]

How many contracts do the Flames have now?

[StrykerSteve]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

How many contracts do the Flames have now?

I think someone said earlier that they have 33.

[bubbsy]

wow... i'm surprised at the reaction here.

Yes, loved the player for his effort.

However, he was never going to be a top 6 forward here. Can a team that is destined to be small in the top6 afford to not have a painful bottom 6 to play against? There just isn't room for him, given the small make up of the team.

Tough to see the individual go, but in the end, it will be best for the team.

[Savvy27]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

I think you answered your own question with that one. Last time I checked, Byron has been with the club a few years and the Olympic break isn't the start of the NHL season.

With respect, I disagree. That's a pretty common way for a player to establish himself.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by CsInMyBlood

Seriously ridiculous if the Flames don't re-sign Byron.

Who cares if he is small, played bigger than anyone on this roster.

It is impossible for not signing Byron to be ridiculous. He's simply not good enough of a player for those strong of an adjectives to be thrown around on this situation.

[StrykerSteve]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

wow... i'm surprised at the reaction here.

Yes, loved the player for his effort.

However, he was never going to be a top 6 forward here. Can a team that is destined to be small in the top6 afford to not have a painful bottom 6 to play against? There just isn't room for him, given the small make up of the team.

Tough to see the individual go, but in the end, it will be best for the team.

Who said anything about top 6? He's a great 3rd line checker and PKer.

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by Zevo

Ya, because the only explanation is that Hartley didn't like him.

You need to start actually reading my posts and not just my username or put me on ignore.

I suggest you reread what I posted.

[bubbsy]

Originally Posted by StrykerSteve

Who said anything about top 6? He's a great 3rd line checker and PKer.

that's what i meant though. flames have too many small guys in the top 6, that the team can't also fill the bottom6 with small guys also.

[Matty81]

So 34 guys signed, 6 qualifying offer, Billins who will be gone to Russia means only 5 max will sign bringing them to 39 by free agency.

11 contracts still left, that's a ton of room to maneuver. Guessing Bennett might snag one of them but they only really need to sign one more defenceman and another goalie now that Roy left to have a lineup they can ice... of course am sure they will sign a few more free agents as I think Treliving would like to add 2 dmen and even another forward or two for the big club. Maybe fill out the rest with a couple free agent prospects and some older AHL all-stars for Adirondack?

[SHOGUN]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

This is why I don't like giving the new GM full reigns when he's been here like 2+ months not during hockey season. I'm not sure he knew full well the kind of truculence Byron did in fact bring each night, despite his stature.

I'm pretty sure he talked to Hartley who loved Byron... he said he was their best player in second half of the season.

[868904]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

This is why I don't like giving the new GM full reigns when he's been here like 2+ months not during hockey season. I'm not sure he knew full well the kind of truculence Byron did in fact bring each night, despite his stature.

And I'm sure tReliving did not ask Burke or Conroy or Hartley for their opinions.

[Wolfman]

Originally Posted by StrykerSteve

I think someone said earlier that they have 33.

I counted 34 on capgeek...could have miscounted though.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Savvy27

With respect, I disagree. That's a pretty common way for a player to establish himself.

Agreed, but if you've only held down a consistent NHL job for 33% of the season, you aren't established yet, and therefore haven't been able to maintain regular employement in the NHL.

Perhaps he will moving forward, but it's all speculation at this point. As it stands right now, Byron has not progressed into the everyday NHL player category. Agreed that perhaps this year will be the year he does that, who knows.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

The new CBA states teams can't walk away from player initiated salary arbitration if the salary is less than $3.5 million.

Recall Feaster gave up a 5th round pick instead of claiming Russell off waivers to avoid arbitration as well.

The organization has been going out of its way to avoid arbitration for a reason.

I guess I just can't imagine that Byron's award would be anything even approaching $1.5 million per year for 2 years. We are going to have to throw some money around on short contracts anyway.

Stranger things have happened I guess. Maybe the are also worried about having to talk him down in front of the arbiter.

I'm leaning towards them not wanting too many small players, especially if Gaudreau makes the team.

[bubbsy]

Originally Posted by 868904

And I'm sure tReliving did not ask Burke or Conroy or Hartley for their opinions.

you're 'sure', please do tell?

[T@T]

Byron played well in his last stint but lets face facts he's no St.louis, Ennis or even a Gerbe. when your 5'6 you need "serious" talent or/and a slot on the team.

Gaudreau made him expendable for the Flames but he'll get a shot elsewhere.

Good luck Paul