1st Line Right Winger

[Caged Great]

For me, I would most like to sign the pair of Backes or Okposo and Brouwer.

Both "B" guys are 6-3 RW (Backes is a C that shoots right) while Okposo is actually only 6-0.

Brouwer is more of a 3rd line RW, which is fine. Have Frolik on the line with Backlund, Brouwer on the line with Bennett. Backes can slot in on line one just as much as Okposo could. I don't know if either would be the ideal candidate though in terms of offensive skill, but their physicality would help deflect off Gaudreau.

If the Flames snag one of the Fins, they may stick in Calgary or they could go back for another year. Would be largely determined on training camp (I don't see why they wouldn't stick in CGY though)

[1qqaaz]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

He wasn't overly impressive in the back to back Alberta games they played this weekend. I would be hesitant about handing him anything more than what they gave Hudler.

Also, we've seen players like Moulson or Parenteau quickly regress after being taken away from Tavares. Okposo's point totals were never that impressive until he was put on the Islander's top line.

Not to mention, he will cost a lot and may not even want to sign here (even if we have the cap space). He's still a good option though.

Put me in the camp that hopes we can somehow draft top 3.

I bet Jagr re-signs in Florida, but I'm not sure. I doubt the Flames get a top line RW through trade, because they'll probably spend assets on a goaltender instead.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by neo45

Frolik isn't a good fit with Gaudreau IMO

I've been mildly disappointed with Frolik. I never expected him to be a major offensive contributor but I expected more than Joe Colborne offensive numbers and I realize he does other things well but IMO not that well. He's a good all around forward but I don't see much value with his contract based on this season's play. That said I wouldn't be surprised if he has a better 2nd season as Flame after getting this season under his belt. That said I agree he's not a goo fit with Monahan and Gadreau.

[Phaneufenstein]

I know Brouwer is not top line talent, but he would be a good add to our RW depth.

This is a signing I can see Flames make.

[heep223]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

For me, I would most like to sign the pair of Backes or Okposo and Brouwer.

Both "B" guys are 6-3 RW (Backes is a C that shoots right) while Okposo is actually only 6-0.

Brouwer is more of a 3rd line RW, which is fine. Have Frolik on the line with Backlund, Brouwer on the line with Bennett. Backes can slot in on line one just as much as Okposo could. I don't know if either would be the ideal candidate though in terms of offensive skill, but their physicality would help deflect off Gaudreau.

If the Flames snag one of the Fins, they may stick in Calgary or they could go back for another year. Would be largely determined on training camp (I don't see why they wouldn't stick in CGY though)

Backes would be awesome. But he's 31 and going to want a retirement contract. Does not fit in the plans. He's the kind of UFA you add as a last piece to make a run at the cup.

[Savvy27]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

Here's a list of upcoming forward UFAs that may be able to fit in the top line RW spot

Elias, Patrik NJ LW UFA 5,500,000 (39)
Stamkos, Steven TB C UFA 5,500,000 (25)
Grabner, Michael TOR RW UFA 5,000,000 (28)
Vrbata, Radim VAN RW UFA 5,000,000 (34)
Backes, David STL C UFA 4,750,000 (31)
Doan, Shane PHO RW UFA 4,550,000 (39)
Eriksson, Loui BOS LW UFA 4,500,000 (30)
Okposo, Kyle NYI RW UFA 4,500,000 (27)
Perron, David ANA LW UFA 4,500,000 (27)
Purcell, Ted FLA C UFA 4,500,000 (30)
Ruutu, Tuomo NJ C UFA 4,050,000 (32)
Hudler, Jiri FLA C UFA 4,000,000 (32)
Jones, David MIN RW UFA 4,000,000 (31)
Boedker, Mikkel COL LW UFA 3,750,000 (26)
Brouwer, Troy STL RW UFA 3,750,000 (30)
Lucic, Milan LA LW UFA 3,750,000 (27)
Jagr, Jaromir FLA RW UFA 3,500,00 (64)

I've added the age of each player and bolded the players that I'd be happy for the Flames to bring in. I didn't bother with Stamkos because it would probably take something completely insane for him to consider signing in Calgary.

I'd like to see the Flames bring in David Backes. Lucic would be even better but he seems like a pipe dream, so Backes would be the next best thing to bring is size, skill, and nastiness to the top-6.

I like Hudler a lot and if the big money that he is apparently after doesn't materialize I'd like to see him back for a few more years.

If the Flames were able to sign Hudler and Backes, it would make for a pretty solid forward group (not even including a potential top rookie from the draft):

Gaudreau - Monahan - Hudler
Ferland - Bennett - Backes
Agostino - Backlund - Frolik
Bouma - Stajan - Colborne

Okposo and Eriksson both seem very unlikely to be interested in joining the Flames as they will have many suitors and no connection to Calgary or Western Canada.

-Brouwer isn't talented enough to bring in as a UFA, I'd rather see a middle six opportunity go to Ferland or someone in the system.
-I've never been a Perron fan and I think he'd make about the same difference here that he did in Edmonton.
-I'd be surprised if Jagr left Florida, especially to agree to the Western Conference travel schedule but that might be an interesting experiment
-Ruutu, Doan, and Elias' best days are far behind them
-Neither Grabner nor Purcell interest me, although Purcell might be an adequate fill-in
-watching Jones was an exercise in frustration for me and I'm happy to see his spot go to someone else

[David Struch]

Gaudreau - Monahan - Puljujärvi
Ferland - Bennett - Poirier
Bouma - Backlund - Frolik
Colborne - Stajan - Hathaway
Bollig/Jooris

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by nik-

I really hope we stay away from Lucic. At his best, he's exactly what we need, I'm just worried he's not going to be able to hit that best very soon and for a long time.

A long term high dollar contract for him would be a scary thing.

Fair comments for sure. $6mx5?
He's on the top of my list, for intimidating wingers in this league.
The liberties on Gaudreau would cease & he would have more room.

If he fosters good chemistry with Lucic, I don't think it'd be unrealistic to anticipate him leading the league in points.

[Poe969]

If the Flames got a top 3 pick, I could see that player on the team next year. I could also see the Flames signing one of Lucic or Okposo if that happened. Those two guys have to be the top wingers available, next tier I see Backes, Eriksson then Perron and Bodeker are pretty much the top of the junk pile IMO. Stamkos is a pipe dream and I don't think I'd want him even if he was getting 7 mil (and I think he'll get more).

I do think the Flames should do anything to get Jagr though. That would be amazing.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

Fair comments for sure. $6mx5?
He's on the top of my list, for intimidating wingers in this league.
The liberties on Gaudreau would cease & he would have more room.

If he fosters good chemistry with Lucic, I don't think it'd be unrealistic to anticipate him leading the league in points.

Lucic is a LW and has been for most, if not all of his career.

[polak]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

Also, we've seen players like Moulson or Parenteau quickly regress after being taken away from Tavares. Okposo's point totals were never that impressive until he was put on the Islander's top line.

While I don't disagree that their numbers are probably inflated by playing with Tavares, playing with Johnny would likely have a similar effect. Especially if it clicks like it did with Hudler.

[Murph]

Originally Posted by Buff

Jagr. One year deal, see if next year's free agents will be better for RW. Make it so, Treliving.

This.

And draft one of the Finn's to play 2nd/3rd line RW and learn all they can from him.

If we sign him, I'll buy a retro Jagr jersey the same day.

[flamesfan55]

I highly doubt we end up in the top 3 for the draft for everyone that is slotting those guys into the lineup.

As to the answer I would like to see Lucic, I think him on the first line would add some grit with is needed and you can park him in front of the net.

[keenan87]

Draft Patrik Laine
Sign Milan Lucic and Jamie Mcginn
Not bring back Jooris, Bollig, and Stajan next season

Gaudreau-Monahan-Frolik
Lucic-Bennett-Laine
Ferland-Backlund-Mcginn
Bouma-Colborne-Hathaway
Arnold/Agostino

[Gaudfather]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

If we draft Matthews or one of the Finns, I really hope we avoid overpaying in free agency.

Much of our historical overpayment issue has been with guys further down in the depth charts (Stajan, Jones, Engelland, Raymond etc..). You don't mind paying full freight for the right top line guy, as long as you are disciplined and not blowing the team budget on depth players.

Okposo would be my preferred UFA for this slot.

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by Buff

Jagr. One year deal, see if next year's free agents will be better for RW. Make it so, Treliving.

That would bring him home so the travelling Jagrs would not need to travel anymore.

[SuperMatt18]

I think we use some of those second rounders to try to get a younger RW, much like we did with Hamilton last year.

Cap teams are going to need to shed some money, especially if a player needs a raise soon.

Could see guys like Hayes, Niederreiter, Nichuskin, Tom Wilson, Marcus Johansson, Hertl etc being of interest to the Flames if they bundle up some of those 2nd rounders with a prospect.

Could also see us looking at Simmonds or Read in a trade from Philadelphia. Need to make room for Raises to Coutourier and Voracek, plus have to sign Schenn still as well.

[albertGQ]

Are the travelling Jagrs Calgarian?

[FlamingHomer]

We know Hudler works well there. Not the glamorous choice but if it ain't broke...

[Da_Chief]

My choice is Charlie Coyle.

Minny has 8 F, 6D, 1G signed for next year with 7.3 mill in Cap. They need to sign 4 Forwards and a backup, 5 players with less then 8 mills. Zucker and Dumba are both RFAs so they will cost 2-3 mill each. So they're in trouble.

Coyle is a 3.2 cap hit, 6'3, 220lbs Right hand shot, 23 years old. He hasn't lived up to expectations but still is a good player.

He has 32 points in 63 games this year with Minny having Parise, Koivu, Granlund, Vanek, Nino, Pominville, Zucker they might be willing to get rid of his cap hit for a pick.

I think an offer of Cal 2nd 2016 at the draft might get it done.

Also note Minny only has 4 picks (1st, 4th, 7th, 7th) at this draft so with Flames having multiple picks, this might be a perfect match.