List of key RFAs left (likely to re-sign with their teams) UPDATED SEP 14

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by BACKCHECK!!!

Offer sheet Boedker, please.

Need more Killer B's

For less than 3.3 to make it a 2nd round pick not a first? That would be pointless. Boedker probably wants more

[BACKCHECK!!!]

You can offer up to $3.36m and give a 2nd rounder or less in compensation. Which would be a fair or more-than-fair salary for about half the guys on that list.

Franson is one example. Toronto probably can't afford both Kadri and Franson. They may even have to move out salary to afford just Kadri. They also have 8 defencemen already signed not including Franson.

So the Leafs may not be able to afford to match even a reasonable offer (say $2m). And they might not want to, because if they do he can't be traded.

I'm not saying it would be guaranteed to happen, I'm just saying I think a low-ball offer sheet on Franson (for example), there's a non-zero chance it works out, and I think it would be well worth it for the Flames.

[Macho0978]

Flames maybe in the position to offer sheet next summer. This summer would be a huge mistake

Nuge for 6.5 for 6 years next summer. Oilers match but are tighter against the cap is the only offer sheet I want to see happen over next couple years from the Flames

[kyuss275]

Originally Posted by saillias

With Piet on your blueline you're not a last place team, that's the point. Those draft picks are worth it. This guy would be the best defender the Flames have had since Al McInnis.

Also, not directed at you but seeing too much of this "no point to this or that guy, because we're not going to be competitive for x amount of years." Ok, well you don't stop building your team because you have projected you're going to suck. You don't go full Edmonton and decide this is the year you're supposed to make the playoffs so now it's time to try and get some real players.

Not sure i agree with the bolded part. I am not sure the flames are a last place team ( that's pretty hard), but i don't think one player, other than Crosby, will make them any better than a bottom 5 team. Don't get me wrong he is a great D-man, but this team has to many holes for him to come in and make them that much better in the short term.

The only way i can see the flames winning a bunch of games and not be a bottom team in the next 2 years is if one of Ramo or Berra come in and play like Kipper or Lundquist.

[Macho0978]

Originally Posted by BACKCHECK!!!

You can offer up to $3.36m and give a 2nd rounder or less in compensation. Which would be a fair or more-than-fair salary for about half the guys on that list.

Franson is one example. Toronto probably can't afford both Kadri and Franson. They may even have to move out salary to afford just Kadri. They also have 8 defencemen already signed not including Franson.

So the Leafs may not be able to afford to match even a reasonable offer (say $2m). And they might not want to, because if they do he can't be traded.

I'm not saying it would be guaranteed to happen, I'm just saying I think a low-ball offer sheet on Franson (for example), there's a non-zero chance it works out, and I think it would be well worth it for the Flames.

Except Franson needs to sign the deal. He wants more than 3.3 by the sounds of it

[kyuss275]

Originally Posted by BACKCHECK!!!

You can offer up to $3.36m and give a 2nd rounder or less in compensation. Which would be a fair or more-than-fair salary for about half the guys on that list.

Franson is one example. Toronto probably can't afford both Kadri and Franson. They may even have to move out salary to afford just Kadri. They also have 8 defencemen already signed not including Franson.

So the Leafs may not be able to afford to match even a reasonable offer (say $2m). And they might not want to, because if they do he can't be traded.

I'm not saying it would be guaranteed to happen, I'm just saying I think a low-ball offer sheet on Franson (for example), there's a non-zero chance it works out, and I think it would be well worth it for the Flames.

Franson is asking for $4million +. I doubt he signs an offer sheet for less than $3.36 million. He might as well just give TO the chance to sign him at that rate.

[Wolven]

Originally Posted by saillias

With Piet on your blueline you're not a last place team, that's the point. Those draft picks are worth it. This guy would be the best defender the Flames have had since Al McInnis.

Also, not directed at you but seeing too much of this "no point to this or that guy, because we're not going to be competitive for x amount of years." Ok, well you don't stop building your team because you have projected you're going to suck. You don't go full Edmonton and decide this is the year you're supposed to make the playoffs so now it's time to try and get some real players.

If adding one player is the difference between the Flames finishing 30th (where we are now) and winning the cup (where we want to be) then everyone on this board would want Feaster to go out and pay whatever it takes to acquire that player.

Personally, I do not think Pietrangelo is good enough to get the Flames out of the basement of the standings. We have too many question marks and even with him we are likely drafting in the top 3 in summer 2014 (but the Blues would have our pick).

So basically, the "no point at this time" people are correct. Those draft picks are worth more than Pietrangelo *at this time*.

Boston would be better suited to giving Pietrangelo an offer sheet... if they had any cap space to work with.

[dammage79]

I'd target Cowen, Franson and Johansson via trade before I considered an offer sheet. If the growing rumors are true that Grabovski will be heading to Washington, then there could be room to make a move for Johansson. Can be a top 6 center on the Flames but will be pushed down behind Grabo and Backstrom on Washington.

I am a big fan of Cowen's size and how he uses it. Would love to see him here.

[Fire]

Originally Posted by Macho0978

Flames maybe in the position to offer sheet next summer. This summer would be a huge mistake

Nuge for 6.5 for 6 years next summer. Oilers match but are tighter against the cap is the only offer sheet I want to see happen over next couple years from the Flames

The Oilers will have Nugent-Hopkins signed before the season ends. We won't have to worry about the Flames causing the Oilers to overpay him. I'm sure the Oilers will do that all by themselves.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by saillias

With Piet on your blueline you're not a last place team, that's the point. Those draft picks are worth it. This guy would be the best defender the Flames have had since Al McInnis.

Also, not directed at you but seeing too much of this "no point to this or that guy, because we're not going to be competitive for x amount of years." Ok, well you don't stop building your team because you have projected you're going to suck. You don't go full Edmonton and decide this is the year you're supposed to make the playoffs so now it's time to try and get some real players.

Highly unlikely that Pietrangelo can single-handedly launch the Flames into the playoffs.

With the lottery the way it is now, any non-playoff team can be picking #1.

Surely you can see the difference between what a contender pays, with picks in the high 20s, vs what a non-contender pays, with a possible #1 overall pick, for the same offer sheet.

The price is too high for rebuilding teams to make offer sheets.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by saillias

With Piet on your blueline you're not a last place team, that's the point. Those draft picks are worth it. This guy would be the best defender the Flames have had since Al McInnis.

Also, not directed at you but seeing too much of this "no point to this or that guy, because we're not going to be competitive for x amount of years." Ok, well you don't stop building your team because you have projected you're going to suck. You don't go full Edmonton and decide this is the year you're supposed to make the playoffs so now it's time to try and get some real players.

There is a huge middle-ground between your two extreme positions.

Of course you don't stop building your team, but that doesn't mean that all moves make sense.

[Loyal and True]

I updated the original post. 14 key RFAs left. Still some big dollars to be handed out. St.Louis, Toronto, Phoenix, NJ and others will be using significant chunks of their cap space.

I am interested to see how many teams will end up with enough cap space for creative trades like when Toronto took Lombardi to acquire Franson. Obviously there are several teams right up against the cap (soon to be joined by Detroit, NYR, Toronto, etc) that should be looking for relief. There are still 6 to 12 UFAs that a contending team would normally like to add for depth. If only they could get rid of x or y.

I am amazed that (per capgeek) Calgary will have $13.5M cap space if Kipper retires. That will be more room than any team other than NYI.

The "Asset Management" term gets overused, but cap space is a huge asset that is scarce in the league. The Flames have it in abundance, and need to use it to acquire young assets/picks from contending teams that need the cap room. Obviously the cap room doesn't carry forward. Use it or lose it.

I am not interested in acquiring veterans (either UFA or trade) for the sake of moving up 5 places in the overall standings (likewise weakening our draft pick by 5 positions)but we should be able to find teams that are willing to trade significant future assets for significant short term gains.

A lot of teams opt to use 1 or 2 compliance buyouts to mitigate their cap problems. But the other option is to offload salary on a team like Calgary... for a price.

For example, if Toronto (admittedly not a cup contender) is looking to trade John Michael Liles, then we could trade Smith for JML plus some very significant future assets. JML has NTC and 3 yrs left on his deal.

[Enoch Root]

and it is a pretty safe be that Cammalleri and Stajan are not here next year, so that's another $9.5M that will be replaced by two kids in all likelihood.

If the cap hits $75M, that would mean the floor will be what - close to $60m? We will almost certainly have to sign a couple of UFAs just to hit the floor next year

[kyuss275]

Originally Posted by Loyal and True

I updated the original post. 14 key RFAs left. Still some big dollars to be handed out. St.Louis, Toronto, Phoenix, NJ and others will be using significant chunks of their cap space.

I am interested to see how many teams will end up with enough cap space for creative trades like when Toronto took Lombardi to acquire Franson. Obviously there are several teams right up against the cap (soon to be joined by Detroit, NYR, Toronto, etc) that should be looking for relief. There are still 6 to 12 UFAs that a contending team would normally like to add for depth. If only they could get rid of x or y.

I am amazed that (per capgeek) Calgary will have $13.5M cap space if Kipper retires. That will be more room than any team other than NYI.

The "Asset Management" term gets overused, but cap space is a huge asset that is scarce in the league. The Flames have it in abundance, and need to use it to acquire young assets/picks from contending teams that need the cap room. Obviously the cap room doesn't carry forward. Use it or lose it.

I am not interested in acquiring veterans (either UFA or trade) for the sake of moving up 5 places in the overall standings (likewise weakening our draft pick by 5 positions)but we should be able to find teams that are willing to trade significant future assets for significant short term gains.

A lot of teams opt to use 1 or 2 compliance buyouts to mitigate their cap problems. But the other option is to offload salary on a team like Calgary... for a price.

For example, if Toronto (admittedly not a cup contender) is looking to trade John Michael Liles, then we could trade Smith for JML plus some very significant future assets. JML has NTC and 3 yrs left on his deal.

I highly doubt that teams will give up anything of significance in order to drop a player with a big cap hit. Most teams will shed someway or another a bottom 6 "meh" player and just ride out the season close to the cap. The cap will take a huge jump up next year, so they really only need to be worried about this year.

As for the Liles trade, what do you think Toronto would give up? I doubt much and since ownership has a lot of money would rather just buy him out if need be. If they are smart they will offer to eat up a $1 million of his salary and get a high pick in return.

You really don't have to look any farther than the Perron deal. It was a salary dump trade and they still got a 2nd and a prospect for him. Not that i wanted Perron but if the flames wanted in on that deal they could not afford it asset wise.

[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by dammage79

I'd target Cowen, Franson and Johansson via trade before I considered an offer sheet. If the growing rumors are true that Grabovski will be heading to Washington, then there could be room to make a move for Johansson. Can be a top 6 center on the Flames but will be pushed down behind Grabo and Backstrom on Washington.

I am a big fan of Cowen's size and how he uses it. Would love to see him here.

Problem with that is that Ott/Tor/Wash are going to want premium young players or picks in return, neither of which we want to give up.

Feaster has to be a bit of a d bag here and attack vulnerable teams. Offer Nyquist the max you can for a second round pick as compensation and I don't think Detroit can match given that they are up against the cap. I'd try Clifford at max amount for a 3rd round pick. Unless LA wants to bury money in minors we stand a good chance if securing these players. A 2nd and 3rd for Nyquist/Clifford? Not bad IMHO.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

For those interested, here are the respective cap spaces for the teams. Just so everyone can see who Feaster can take advantage of if he so chooses.

Buffalo (Hodgson): $10.5 million
Detroit (Nyquist, Andersson): $1.04 million
Los Angeles (Clifford): $253 thousand
New Jersey (Henrique): $7.8 million
New York (Stepan): $2.1 million
Ottawa (Cowen): $11.3 million
Phoenix (Boedker): $6.9 million
St. Louis (Paajarvi, Pietrangelo): $8.8 million
Toronto (Kadri, Franson): $4.8 million
Vancouver (Tanev): $4.3 million
Washington (Johansson) $5.6 million

So basically, the only teams Feaster could take advantage of is Edmonton, Detroit, Los Angeles, the Rangers and Toronto. All the other teams have enough cap space to match easily (assuming they don't want the Flames draft picks).

Personally, as long as Feaster's not giving away a first rounder, I wouldn't mind if he tried to grab Franson, Nyquist or Stepan.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

For those interested, here are the respective cap spaces for the teams. Just so everyone can see who Feaster can take advantage of if he so chooses.

Buffalo (Hodgson): $10.5 million
Edmonton (Paajarvi): $1.3 million
Detroit (Nyquist, Andersson): $1.04 million
Los Angeles (Clifford): $253 thousand
New Jersey (Henrique): $7.8 million
New York (Stepan): $2.1 million
Ottawa (Cowen): $11.3 million
Phoenix (Boedker): $6.9 million
St. Louis (Pietrangelo): $8.8 million
Toronto (Kadri, Franson): $4.8 million
Vancouver (Tanev): $4.3 million
Washington (Johansson) $5.6 million

So basically, the only teams Feaster could take advantage of is Edmonton, Detroit, Los Angeles, the Rangers and Toronto. All the other teams have enough cap space to match easily (assuming they don't want the Flames draft picks).

Personally, as long as Feaster's not giving away a first rounder, I wouldn't mind if he tried to grab Franson, Nyquist or Stepan.

Paajarvi has been traded, no?

[FlamesAddiction]

I would sooner have Feaster extend an offersheet Kadri than Franson.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

Paajarvi has been traded, no?

Fixed. I guess I completely missed that news haha. Thought the OP made a mistake.

[868904]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

For those interested, here are the respective cap spaces for the teams. Just so everyone can see who Feaster can take advantage of if he so chooses.

Buffalo (Hodgson): $10.5 million
Detroit (Nyquist, Andersson): $1.04 million
Los Angeles (Clifford): $253 thousand
New Jersey (Henrique): $7.8 million
New York (Stepan): $2.1 million
Ottawa (Cowen): $11.3 million
Phoenix (Boedker): $6.9 million
St. Louis (Paajarvi, Pietrangelo): $8.8 million
Toronto (Kadri, Franson): $4.8 million
Vancouver (Tanev): $4.3 million
Washington (Johansson) $5.6 million

So basically, the only teams Feaster could take advantage of is Edmonton, Detroit, Los Angeles, the Rangers and Toronto. All the other teams have enough cap space to match easily (assuming they don't want the Flames draft picks).

Personally, as long as Feaster's not giving away a first rounder, I wouldn't mind if he tried to grab Franson, Nyquist or Stepan.

I don't really like the whole offersheet thing, but if there is one team that I'd have no problem with the Flames trying to screw over, it would be the Rangers.

Even though things have worked out great for us from the Erixon trade, I still don't like how that went down and if we can stick it to the Rangers, the better.

Plus Stepan would look great in a Flames jersey. Young, right shooting, two way centreman.