Flames Pending UFAs

[GranteedEV]

I think David Schlemko isn't just good, but a legit #4. He's not the biggest offensive force, but he's a possession boon with some physicality to his game, and solid in his own zone. He's the modern defensive defenseman unlike Smid / Engelland.

[FlameZilla]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

I think David Schlemko isn't just good, but a legit #4. He's not the biggest offensive force, but he's a possession boon with some physicality to his game, and solid in his own zone. He's the modern defensive defenseman unlike Smid / Engelland.

Funny that Arizona and subsequently half the league decided he wasn't worthy of a spot on an NHL roster. To me he looks like a perfectly competent NHL veteran defender, and he fits right in with our merry band of reclamation projects.

I can't see why he wouldn't sign, unless some other team came calling with silly money.

Wideman and Engelland really won me over with their play once Giordano was injured.

I'm not so sure defense is the area of weakness I once thought it was. I'd be perfectly content to start the season with:

Giordano Brodie
Russell Wideman
Schlemko Engelland
Pressbox: Smid (if active)/Diaz

[Red Menace]

If this thread is really about pending UFA's, we don't have that many:

G
Ramo (could be signed, with Hiller traded, but I guess they will let him walk)
Thiessen (might keep him as AHL backup, inconsequential)
D
Schlemko
Diaz
Potter
Flames have 5 solid returnees (Gio, Brodie, Wideman Russell, Engelland) plus Smid under contract. Even if Smid retires or disappears somehow I think they might add a new UFA D-man to the mix. Plus we also have youngsters Wotherspoon + Morrisson knocking on the door.
I'd be fine in keeping Schlemko and/or Diaz as a 7th D who can move up if needed. Potter can come back too, but will be in the AHL.
Cundari may also be a group 6 UFA, same situation as Potter...he is AHL depth only.
F
McGrattan + Setoguchi
never heard of them.

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

I don't think any of the UFAs are here next year. Maybe schlemko.

To me the RFAs are more interesting. The flames have a big bubble of RFAs who are all depth forwards and can't all play here. Do some look at Europe? Do the flames move a couple for defence prospects - or move players under contract (maybe Raymond, Granlund?) to make more room?