[Signing] Flames sign RW Michael Frolik to 5 year deal ($4.3 mil aav)

[GioforPM]

He and Hudler are pretty different players. He's a way better defensive fwd and Hudler's way better offensively. He's probably more of a Jones replacement.

[sureLoss]

Friedman on Frolik:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/3...tough-to-find/

25. Tried to piece together how close Winnipeg came to re-signing Michael Frolik because it’s clear GM Kevin Cheveldayoff was frustrated. Agent Allan Walsh wouldn’t comment, but a couple teams suspected the Jets offered four years at $16 million before free agency began, then talked about the possibility of $4.25M per, although I’m not sure it actually got there. There was at least one offer higher than Calgary's. I wondered if it was New Jersey, because Walsh has a good history with Ray Shero, but that’s purely a guess. He’s an excellent fit for the Flames. Frolik’s departure could be a gift for Alexander Burmistrov, who wants a top-nine role. Yes, he’s normally a centre, but can play wing. This is a relationship that needs some trust built back into it, and stepping into the void would be a good start. The Jets may also give a long look to Joel Armia, acquired in the Evander Kane trade.

[GioforPM]

So that's two players (Harrison and Frolik) that wound up in Calgary despite higher offers elsewhere?

Please let the higher offer for Frolik be the Oilers.

[hockey.modern]

So both Frolik & Hamilton wanted to be on the Flames it seems?

[dammage79]

Couldn't have asked for a better off season out of the Flames. Frolik was exactly what the Doctor ordered for the top 6 and Hamilton, well, I wouldn't have imagined the Flames ever landing him before they did. Major steals all over the place this off season for the Flames.

Pretty easy sell job to Frolik too I think. "Hey, line up with Sam Bennett or Mikael Backlund" "Maybe get a shot at lining up with Gaudreau and Monahan"

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

that wound up in Calgary despite higher offers elsewhere?

I'm guessing that for Frolik the higher offer was probably in AAV but Calgary offered an extra year.

[Benched]

didn't Frolik say he has a family and that weighted his decision? That Calgary is a city where his family wanted to be?

So if Winnipeg went higher (or Jersey) maybe that tipped the scales our way. ####ty cities x 2 vs. us (awesome obviously)

[Muta]

I think other players noticed the excitement of the Flames' playoff run, and saw a young team on the verge of becoming something great. Combine that with the possibility of making lots of friends your age (its a young team), getting coached by a Jack Adams winner (who maximized everyone's potential, let's be honest), the consistent placement of Calgary as one of the top 10 cities in the world to live in (from various polls), being a damn good looking city (in terms of its people).... there's lots to be excited about when you look at Calgary as a destination.

[Benched]

good point Muta, I keep hearing players reference the Jack Adams when they say Hartley.

I think that award is a big checkmark for players when they're shopping around.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Benched

good point Muta, I keep hearing players reference the Jack Adams when they say Hartley.

I think that award is a big checkmark for players when they're shopping around.

Until they throw up after a practice.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Until they throw up after a practice.

They don't find out about that until after they sign though.

[heep223]

Originally Posted by Muta

I think other players noticed the excitement of the Flames' playoff run, and saw a young team on the verge of becoming something great. Combine that with the possibility of making lots of friends your age (its a young team), getting coached by a Jack Adams winner (who maximized everyone's potential, let's be honest), the consistent placement of Calgary as one of the top 10 cities in the world to live in (from various polls), being a damn good looking city (in terms of its people).... there's lots to be excited about when you look at Calgary as a destination.

This made me chuckle....source? haha

[Coach]

Originally Posted by heep223

This made me chuckle....source? haha

Ever walk around downtown in the summer?

[heep223]

Originally Posted by MattyC

Ever walk around downtown in the summer?

I do indeed walk and run downtown. Every day. And it is quite excellent.

[Coach]

So what do you need a source for? You can see it for yourself, my friend!

[heep223]

Originally Posted by MattyC

So what do you need a source for? You can see it for yourself, my friend!

I thought maybe there was a worldwide ranking or something ha!

[hockey.modern]

Well we are the cleanest city in the world apparently

[Coach]

Cleanest drinking water for a major city as well, IIRC.

[Muta]

Originally Posted by heep223

This made me chuckle....source? haha

Personal experience, and I've traveled extensively.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by Muta

I think other players noticed the excitement of the Flames' playoff run, and saw a young team on the verge of becoming something great. Combine that with the possibility of making lots of friends your age (its a young team), getting coached by a Jack Adams winner (who maximized everyone's potential, let's be honest), the consistent placement of Calgary as one of the top 10 cities in the world to live in (from various polls), being a damn good looking city (in terms of its people).... there's lots to be excited about when you look at Calgary as a destination.

I think this happens quite a bit. People took notice of Chicago - Hossa signed with them right away. Colorado - Iginla signed with them (though things didn't work out so great last season).

Young teams with cap space that suddenly look like a strong possibility to compete for 'x' amount of years (or at least, in a relatively short amount of time) will always attract the best free agents. Players get money + a chance to win. Hamilton and (arguably) Frolik took less to be a part of it here. That does look great.