The 2025 Offseason thread.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by YyjFlames

That knee injury must be really significant if they're no longer willing to lock him up longer term. That's disappointing...

They aren't 'not willing', they are simply buying more time in order to make the (correct) decision.

[YyjFlames]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

They aren't 'not willing', they are simply buying more time in order to make the (correct) decision.

It's the same thing (although I get the subtleties of your point), and I'm not being critical of the decision.

My disappointment is both in the potential severity of the injury(ies), and that they no longer feel comfortable to take advantage of the cap space they have now and in the next few years with a longer term deal, as they did with Coronato.

This is probably the correct decision, but the one advantage they have with their current cap space is taking on a bit of risk to front load the contracts of their younger players so they can use it in future years.

[Icon]

I think Zary on a bridge deal would be fine. Zary's had flashes of being great but the injuries are for sure a concern. I don't see the Flames cap strapped in 3 years either if they want to give him a big extension then.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by YyjFlames

It's the same thing (although I get the subtleties of your point), and I'm not being critical of the decision.

My disappointment is both in the potential severity of the injury(ies), and that they no longer feel comfortable to take advantage of the cap space they have now and in the next few years with a longer term deal, as they did with Coronato.

This is probably the correct decision, but the one advantage they have with their current cap space is taking on a bit of risk to front load the contracts of their younger players so they can use it in future years.

I agree. But you still have to manage risk, and try to avoid mistakes. I don't mind them taking a wait and see approach here.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by YyjFlames

It's the same thing (although I get the subtleties of your point), and I'm not being critical of the decision.

My disappointment is both in the potential severity of the injury(ies), and that they no longer feel comfortable to take advantage of the cap space they have now and in the next few years with a longer term deal, as they did with Coronato.

This is probably the correct decision, but the one advantage they have with their current cap space is taking on a bit of risk to front load the contracts of their younger players so they can use it in future years.

I don't think it is the same thing. You seem to be saying the severity of his injury must be significant, and that is impacting the negotiation. It appears more like the reduction in games played due to the injury is creating uncertainty about what Zary is as a player, including position, which could change what each side is looking for long-term.

[YyjFlames]

Originally Posted by D as in David

I don't think it is the same thing. You seem to be saying the severity of his injury must be significant, and that is impacting the negotiation. It appears more like the reduction in games played due to the injury is creating uncertainty about what Zary is as a player, including position, which could change what each side is looking for long-term.

If it were just the reduction in games and not the injury, I would hope they'd be willing to take that risk with a player like Zary.

But it sounds like from Royle's comment from a week or so ago, and that article, that it was the injuries that have them second guessing, not just the fewer games played.

I'm generally fine with them taking this path if they feel the injury risk creates too much uncertainty right now, but I'm still disappointed by it.

[YyjFlames]

Originally Posted by Icon

I think Zary on a bridge deal would be fine. Zary's had flashes of being great but the injuries are for sure a concern. I don't see the Flames cap strapped in 3 years either if they want to give him a big extension then.

Three years from now is when their competitive window is wide open so they should be fairly cap strapped at that point, with Huberdeau and Kadri's contract on the books, and big extensions signed for young stars like Wolf and Parekh (and hopefully one or two more break out prospects).

I'm also of the opinion that the cap isn't going to rise as much as projected, so yeah, I think very much they'll be cap strapped and need to take advantage in the next couple years to avoid the cap constraints when they will need the money most.

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by YyjFlames

That knee injury must be really significant if they're no longer willing to lock him up longer term. That's disappointing...

Steinberg was discussing this one quite a bit. It's not that the Flames wouldn't want to sign Zary long term, but that Zary is the sort of player that bets on himself. He doesn't want to be locked in long term and paid as a 40-45 point NHLer, because he thinks he'll prove he's better than that. At the same time it doesn't make sense for the Flames to pay him as a 60+ point guy just yet.

[Toonage]

Its a 2 way street. The club doesn't want to necessarily overpay or go term when the player hasn't shown a complete body of work and the player wouldn't wan t their deal to be limited or have a ceiling put on it for the same reason. Bridge works for both sides.

[Vinny01]

What I hope happens this offseason is a continued patient approach. Last summer Conroy traded Markstrom and Mangiapane for futures because Wolf and Coronato were poised to get bigger roles. This summer he is in a perfect position to make that move again with Andersson and Parekh. I don’t really know if they should do anything in free agency. Last season was great but could be very difficult to duplicate. The 2026 draft is strong with an elite talent at the top so no point in trying to rush things.


On the flip side we have a team where the best player is a young goalie but the remaining top players are largely in the 30+ category. Weegar, Kadri, Huberdeau, Coleman, Backlund, and if he sticks around Andersson all want to win right away and this team has a lot of flexibility to make moves. They could go try and sign pending Florida UFA’s in Bennett and Ekblad or throw a massive offer at Marner.

I want them to avoid the Nashville model but I can see how it appeals to this ownership group to add pieces with the goal of competiting immediately.

[UKflames]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

What I hope happens this offseason is a continued patient approach. Last summer Conroy traded Markstrom and Mangiapane for futures because Wolf and Coronato were poised to get bigger roles. This summer he is in a perfect position to make that move again with Andersson and Parekh. I don’t really know if they should do anything in free agency. Last season was great but could be very difficult to duplicate. The 2026 draft is strong with an elite talent at the top so no point in trying to rush things.


On the flip side we have a team where the best player is a young goalie but the remaining top players are largely in the 30+ category. Weegar, Kadri, Huberdeau, Coleman, Backlund, and if he sticks around Andersson all want to win right away and this team has a lot of flexibility to make moves. They could go try and sign pending Florida UFA’s in Bennett and Ekblad or throw a massive offer at Marner.

I want them to avoid the Nashville model but I can see how it appeals to this ownership group to add pieces with the goal of competiting immediately.

I actuallyy think management are happy with a few lean years, following the path they have, before going big once the new arena opens.

[MissTeeks]

https://twitter.com/user/status/1931091288973316563

Nice to see guys stay around town during the offseason.

[Inferno]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Last summer Conroy traded Markstrom and Mangiapane for futures because Wolf and Coronato were poised to get bigger roles.

And Mangiapane apparently asked for a trade.

[traptor]

Didn't Markstrom ask for a trade too?

[dino7c]

Those guys "asked for a trade" after it was clear they weren't in the future plans...similar to Zadorov and TT who could have both been signed if the team wanted to

[Inferno]

Originally Posted by traptor

Didn't Markstrom ask for a trade too?

I'm not sure if he asked for a trade but I think after knowing Conroy was trying to trade him to New Jersey he was ready to move on.

I can't remember if it was here or on Twitter but I remember someone saying Mangiapane wanted a change of scenery and had asked to be moved.

[Vinny01]

Looking at the roster for next year I am curious of what holes Craig tries to fill and which pieces are trade bait.

Current roster:

Huberdeau-Kadri-Coronato
Farabee-Frost-Sharangovich
Zary-Backlund-Coleman
Pospisil-?(Kirkland)-Klapka

Bahl-Andersson
Weegar-Parekh
Bean-Pachal

Wolf
Cooley

I think it is clear that they will trade Andersson so we can expect some major changes on the back end with Parekh coming in and possibly either another acquisition. Bean and Pachal’s spots on the roster are far from secure as a think Solovyov, Grishnikov, Brzustewicz are all going to push for spots.

Cooley is far from a lock for the backup role and we will see another goalie brought in to battle for that spot.

Upfront it seems like they are somewhat set up the middle unless they move one of their centers. Zary could factor in and Kirkland is no lock. It is still rumored they are in on Rossi or also want a right shot center with size.

Trade bait I wonder if Pospisil is a guy they look to capitalize on with teams coveting grit? Flames also need grit though. I think Frost and Farabee are going to be here as they look to get a fresh start. Sharangovich I am not sure. He had a rough year but was getting better towards the end of the season. New contract with NTC kicks in July. For forwards pushing on the farm we have Honzek, Stromgren, Morton with an outside chance a Basha or Gridin push for some games next year? I wonder if Zary is a someone they package for an upgrade?

When I look at the roster outside of some moves on the back end I do not see how the team does much unless there is a huge upgrade available? Most of their spots are filled and other spots should be kept open for the young players pushing. Outside of Andersson I am struggling to see any other major changes unless a blockbuster deal presents itself

[traptor]

I think its far from a gurantee that Rasmus is gone this summer. I would probably put it at 50%. There's still two other options: they re-sign him or trade him during the season before deadlin (i guess there's a 4th option but I won't go there...)


Assuming that's the roster (with or without Rasmus), unless Wolf has a down year, i kind of see them keeding pace in the middle again between 22nd and 13th.



Its not that young of a group.

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Looking at the roster for next year I am curious of what holes Craig tries to fill and which pieces are trade bait.

Current roster:

Huberdeau-Kadri-Coronato
Farabee-Frost-Sharangovich
Zary-Backlund-Coleman
Pospisil-?(Kirkland)-Klapka

Bahl-Andersson
Weegar-Parekh
Bean-Pachal

Wolf
Cooley

I think it is clear that they will trade Andersson so we can expect some major changes on the back end with Parekh coming in and possibly either another acquisition. Bean and Pachal’s spots on the roster are far from secure as a think Solovyov, Grishnikov, Brzustewicz are all going to push for spots.

Cooley is far from a lock for the backup role and we will see another goalie brought in to battle for that spot.

Upfront it seems like they are somewhat set up the middle unless they move one of their centers. Zary could factor in and Kirkland is no lock. It is still rumored they are in on Rossi or also want a right shot center with size.

Trade bait I wonder if Pospisil is a guy they look to capitalize on with teams coveting grit? Flames also need grit though. I think Frost and Farabee are going to be here as they look to get a fresh start. Sharangovich I am not sure. He had a rough year but was getting better towards the end of the season. New contract with NTC kicks in July. For forwards pushing on the farm we have Honzek, Stromgren, Morton with an outside chance a Basha or Gridin push for some games next year? I wonder if Zary is a someone they package for an upgrade?

When I look at the roster outside of some moves on the back end I do not see how the team does much unless there is a huge upgrade available? Most of their spots are filled and other spots should be kept open for the young players pushing. Outside of Andersson I am struggling to see any other major changes unless a blockbuster deal presents itself

It would be awesome if the Kuznetsov - Brz pairing could move to the NHL all at once and become our 3rd pairing. Kind of how we had an all rookie pairing of Valimaki - Andersson in their rookie season. I don't see Grushnikov making the NHL lineup this season.

That said I doubt that Pachal losses his spot in the lineup to start the season. Hopefully he takes another step in the off-season.

[Royle9]

Originally Posted by traptor

I think its far from a gurantee that Rasmus is gone this summer. I would probably put it at 50%.

Nope no guarantee, though the sides we're pretty far apart all season long.
They were supposed to meet one last time in the next few days to discuss what any sort of extension would look like but also determine what the fit would be.

I'd say 50/50 is about as accurate as you can certainly be, but I'm leaning on about 25/75 in favor of him moving on at this point.