[GDT] 2024 Free Agent Frenzy

[stemit14]

Seeing all these signings of older players into their late 30s makes me think all these teams just plan to LTIR-retire these players. For example, anyone can see that tanev’s deal is way too long but it really doesn’t matter… if he starts to decline, he’ll get played less or even become a healthy scratch eventually. By that point, the player likely no longer wants to play and chooses LTIR retirement. Team gets cap relief. They got the player they wanted for 2-3 years and his cap hit is dropped for the remaining years of the deal.

[Jay Random]

LTIR doesn't actually let you drop a player's cap hit. It just lets you go over the cap, and then you don't accrue any cap at all during the season. That means no money left for acquisitions at the trade deadline.

I think GMs expect these players to be able to play for the full duration of their contracts; just not to be worth the money. If they turn out to be wrong, it's easier just to buy out the last year or two and not have to worry about the complexities of LTIR.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Yeah I have a sneaking suspicion that Mantha will be a healthy scratch by Christmas

He might also realize that this could be the end of the line if he doesn’t give maximum effort. We can hope.

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by Rick M.

He might also realize that this could be the end of the line if he doesn’t give maximum effort. We can hope.

That's my thinking as well. Mantha chose to sign with the Flames because of the opportunity to play higher in the lineup. He looks to boost his numbers, and also see if there's a long term fit in CGY.

I also have a hard time with people suggesting an NHLer doesn't put in the effort. If someone doesn't put in the effort then he gets replaced by a prospect that does, and soon finds his way out of the league. Teammates, coaches, and good leadership groups keep eachother accountable.

We'll see how he fits, but it's a good no risk add. One you can trade at the deadline for more assets.

[Sandman]

He sure has shiny metrics for a player who doesn’t put in much effort.

[stemit14]

My hope is that Conroy is done in free agency and trades for roster players. Unless it’s a trade where he gets picks/prospects for taking on a contract. I would really like to keep as many spots available for young players this season. Don’t want to stifle the development of guys like Pelletier/Coronato because there just isn’t a spot for them.

While it may not have seemed like much of a loss at the time or looking back now, but the flames lost Byron on waivers because they signed Mason Raymond. Byron ended up turning into a solid middle six forward that was a great contributor to Montreal’s playoff run a few years later. Raymond had his moments with the flames but never returned to the form he had in Vancouver. While I don’t expect it would have made a difference in the end for Calgary… it’s an example of a roster spot being filled with an aging veteran signing instead of allowing a younger player a chance to take a step in the NHL. I would hate to see something like that happen with Pelletier who is waiver eligible this year.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by Sandman

He sure has shiny metrics for a player who doesn’t put in much effort.

Part of why he is a frustrating player. One of those guys who can look like a 1st line and 4th line player in the same game.
Reminds me, I wonder if Ruzicka will find a home in the NHL again.

[TheIronMaiden]

I don't think the Flames should go after any of these players but there are some interesting names still out there

Pavelski and Sprong would both be great additions to any team.

[Bingo Jr.]

Originally Posted by Bonded

Part of why he is a frustrating player. One of those guys who can look like a 1st line and 4th line player in the same game.
Reminds me, I wonder if Ruzicka will find a home in the NHL again.

Have to think Ruzicka is toast after that video he uploaded last year

[shotinthebacklund]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

I don't think the Flames should go after any of these players but there are some interesting names still out there

Pavelski and Sprong would both be great additions to any team.

Could be wrong but I believe Pavelski has more or less announced he was likely headed to retirement.

[rohara66]

Yes, Pavelski is done.

[Ped]

He hasn't filed the papers but he has announced his retirement.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

Yeah I have a sneaking suspicion that Mantha will be a healthy scratch by Christmas

The complaint about Mantha are mainly because he's big and people think he should be more a wrecking ball out there. He's basically a rich man's Nick Ritchie or Alex Chaisson.

[ThisIsAnOutrage]

Originally Posted by Bingo Jr.

Have to think Ruzicka is toast after that video he uploaded last year

What's this now? What video?

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by ThisIsAnOutrage

What's this now? What video?

The video of him showing off a bunch of cocaine, which ultimately allowed Arizona to cancel his contract.

[1qqaaz]

Originally Posted by ThisIsAnOutrage

What's this now? What video?

On Instagram, he had a story showing what appeared to be hard drugs. The Coyotes cut him loose. He then posted something saying that he really messed up. Haven't heard from him since. Hopefully he gets it together.

[FlamesAddiction]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

On Instagram, he had a story showing what appeared to be hard drugs. The Coyotes cut him loose. He then posted something saying that he really messed up. Haven't heard from him since. Hopefully he gets it together.

He signed with Spartak Moscow in the KHL a few weeks ago, so at east professionally he landed on his feet more or less. He may have not been long for the NHL anyway.

[dustygoon]

KHL has some oiler vibes.

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by ThisIsAnOutrage

What's this now? What video?

It's all over youtube, just search "Ruzicka cocaine"

[Toonage]

Strange that the Leafs would make this signing without any (or enough) due diligence?

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/jani-hakanpaa...eafs-1.2146242