Milan Lucic UFA

[Toonage]

I know the Flames have bought out a contract, but is there any history of them retaining salary in a deal?

[sureLoss]

Originally Posted by Toonage

I know the Flames have bought out a contract, but is there any history of them retaining salary in a deal?

They retained salary on Hagman via re-entry waivers, but no salary has been retained by the Flames with the new salary retention rules.

[Vinny01]

It does look like this summer could have a strong UFA market compared to years past. It is disappointing that as of today the Flames are stuck with a ton of bad contracts that will be extremely tough to move. The blueline loses Russell (which is fine) but his cap hit is more than absorbed by the Gio extension. Monahan and Gaudreau need big raises which likely come from the expiring Jones and Hudler deals. Ramo and Hiller both come off the books so perhaps the 2 goalies next year will cost a couple million less?

Flames can let Jooris, Colborne walk but I do not see enough money to go out there and get one of these big free agents that could really help the team like a Lucic or Okposo.

[ScorchyScorch]

Gaudreau - Monahan - Okposo
Bennett - Backes - Frolik

#instantbeef
#wizardofbrad

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Originally Posted by ScorchyScorch

Gaudreau - Monahan - Okposo
Bennett - Backes - Frolik

#instantbeef
#wizardofbrad

Salary cap says hi.

[Hackey]

Originally Posted by Locke

Lucic? $6M+?

The guys is a 60 point player. At best, if you're lucky. Yeah he checks a lot of boxes in terms of our needs but I think he is a player on the decline, I dont want to be the team paying his retirement contract.

#notmypostapexplayer

He's only 27. I guess you could debate if his best seasons are behind him but I still think he can be an effective player for another 5-6 years.

[Sandman]

i'm a big fan of Lucic, and i think he would be perfect for our team-only problem is that he's a LW, not a RW. He makes his linemates play like they're 10 feet tall-we need that kind of size and beligerance. That being said, we also don't have the money to spend on his upcoming contract.

[1qqaaz]

Normally, I would be afraid of Lucic being very injury-prone due to his style of play. That does not seem to be the case at all. At least not yet.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Hackey

He's only 27. I guess you could debate if his best seasons are behind him but I still think he can be an effective player for another 5-6 years.

Effective is one thing, taking 10% of your cap is another.

[Flames89]

We want players moving into their prime, not moving out

[Poe969]

I agree but having someone who's in their mid 20's wouldn't be a bad thing if they can maintain their production. A guy like Lucic just seems like he's going to start to decline a lot faster then a guy like Okposo just because of their style of play. If we're going to pay 6 mil for another forward, it better be someone who can put up points and stay at the same level if not improve over the life of the contract.

Lucic plays LW and we need an RW on this team. Even though Lucic would be a top 6 on this team, he's not the kind of player the Flames need. The Flames desperately need a good RW on this team and I don't think Lucic fits the bill for what this team needs.

[Hackey]

Originally Posted by Locke

Effective is one thing, taking 10% of your cap is another.

There is a trade off with most moves. What he brings is pretty unique and something we could definitely use in our top 6. Paying a little extra in cap space I think evens out with not having to use assets to aquire him. If we were able to land one of the big forwards in the draft and add Lucic, our top 6 would be rounding out very nicely. I'm kind of indifferent because I do think there is some risk there. He may regress or he may be rejuvinanted playing on a young and upcoming team. He has seemed to get this reputation over the last couple years like he's on the decline but I don't think its as bad as some people claim. He could end up being a beast in the playoffs this year and people start thinking differently. Or he could bomb and maybe thats an indication to stay away. I'm more on the fence. I doubt there is much chance we sign him anyways though.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Flames can't afford to dip into the free agent market this year. They still have too many problem contracts on the lower lines and defense eating up money. Would love to see a body added that cod make a difference, but I don't see it being feasible until Wideman, Smid, Engelland, Raymond, and Stajan are off the books. That's almost $18M in salaries for players that have little positive impact on the team. Move that, then you can go shopping.

[FireItUp]

At the price Lucic will be looking to get I'd rather call up Hunter Smith and his 6'7 210 frame for pennies and see what he could bring. Both players play with and edge to their game and have skating issues but one won't cost and arm and a leg when we have more important players to sign. Just saying

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by New Era

That's almost $18M in salaries for players that have little positive impact on the team. Move that, then you can go shopping.

Even then they can't (or at least shouldn't). Factoring in replacement depth players for the bad money, Bennett's second contract, and reserving some space for (hopefully) the second contract of whomever we draft this year, and some stagnation in league revenue gains (and consequently The Cap) due to the fall in the CDN dollar and I don't think the team ought to be entertaining having any (mis)adventures in unrestricted free agency.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by New Era

Flames can't afford to dip into the free agent market this year. They still have too many problem contracts on the lower lines and defense eating up money. Would love to see a body added that cod make a difference, but I don't see it being feasible until Wideman, Smid, Engelland, Raymond, and Stajan are off the books. That's almost $18M in salaries for players that have little positive impact on the team. Move that, then you can go shopping.

It makes me wonder if Treliving is going to possibly acquire some picks at the deadline and then possibly use those picks to get out of a contract or 2 so the Flames could be players in free agency?

Let's say he gets a 2nd for both Hudler and Russell, and a couple later picks for Jones, Ramo/Hiller.

With 3 2nd round picks perhaps he takes one of those and combines it with one of Wideman, Engellend, Smid, Raymond to a team with cap space. Basically take our contract and get a free pick. Something he trend to do in 2014 with Phoneix and Carolina (the Ribero and award deals came with significant term however)

As it looks today there is not much, if any room to improve this team externally this summer via free agency

[FlamesAddiction]

Besides Lucic being dirty and a bit of tool every time he opens his mouth, I have my doubts that he will have longevity as a points producer in the NHL. I could be wrong about that, but he certainly isn't the type of player I would gamble a long term deal on.

[EVERLAST]

Do not want.
Over rated
This guy is not half the player he used to be.

[D as in David]

Anyone else think this was a thread about an Italian soccer league team?

[CsInMyBlood]

Originally Posted by D as in David

Anyone else think this was a thread about an Italian soccer league team?

No.