Ilya Kovalchuk (UFA - July 1st)

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Gulutzan would not use him properly on the PP.

Noted.

Um... What does Gulutzan have to do with next year?

[really?]

Kovalchuk? Maybe coax Jagr back across the pond. C' mon people this is starting to take on the smell of rank desperation. While the rest of the league is moving forward with fast, hungry players we're trolling for those who are not simply long in the tooth, but rather sabre toothed. The game has evolved, hopefully our management has as well.

[Tbull8]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Watch him sign dirt cheap in Washington

Ovi Backstrom Oshie

Kovalchuk Kuznetsov Wilson

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by really?

Kovalchuk? Maybe coax Jagr back across the pond. C' mon people this is starting to take on the smell of rank desperation. While the rest of the league is moving forward with fast, hungry players we're trolling for those who are not simply long in the tooth, but rather sabre toothed. The game has evolved, hopefully our management has as well.

Flames management has not moved on, and needs replacement.

[soulchoice]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

If not, I guess we'll settle for Tavares..

If only it was that easy hey?

We'd have about as much of a chance of getting either player as the Edmonton's and Winnipeg's of this league. Only way any of the teams/cities, which are routinely on players no trade list is to sign the big free agents is to overpay big time. Even with that, I'm sure top Free agents would not choose to come here.

[1qqaaz]

The Flames could have the capspace to sign Tavares if Brodie is traded. There are only a few non-rebuilding teams that could have the space. Calgary, NY Islanders, San Jose, and New Jersey? And one of these teams are likely to spend a lot on John Carlson.
For the Oilers, there's no conceivable way to get it done.

Even without trading Brodie, the Flames will have the opportunity to sign someone nice.
Not a lot of decent teams have cap space. This year's FA looks to be quite strong, especially in terms of wingers.

Kane, Kovalchuk, Neal, JVR, Tavares, Carlson, Green, Hornqvist, Thornton, Maroon, Stastny, and Grabner all pretty good players (although some will likely re-sign).
I bet the Flames get one.

It's really the only thing to look forward to. Even if it does end being a big mistake.

[Locke]

If he can perform and its just money then yes, you have to try because he fills a hole.

Reading that sentence again I understand it could be misconstrued. But I'm leaving it there anyways.

[Machiavelli]

Kovalchuk would want to sign in Calgary because _________

Yeah, I can't fill in the blank either

[Heavy Jack]

Big no thanks to him anyways, lefty shot, hate how he bailed on that contract and is already 34 years old soon to be 35 ~ he's just not the solution for this team going forward and some team like NYR or Washington can waste time with him.

[Young_Guns]

I highly doubt he signs here.

[Saqe]

Originally Posted by Heavy Jack

Big no thanks to him anyways, lefty shot, hate how he bailed on that contract and is already 34 years old soon to be 35 ~ he's just not the solution for this team going forward and some team like NYR or Washington can waste time with him.

Shoots right I believe, plays LW.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

Kovalchuk would want to sign in Calgary because _________

Yeah, I can't fill in the blank either

No other team is as desperate for Kovalchuk's skillset.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Heavy Jack

Big no thanks to him anyways, lefty shot, hate how he bailed on that contract and is already 34 years old soon to be 35 ~ he's just not the solution for this team going forward and some team like NYR or Washington can waste time with him.

Haha, he's not signing here, but if he would you take that 10 times out of 10. He'll be a 25 goal guy, minimum.

[カナダ人です]

I think sometimes people get too caught up in age. If a player is still effective and can help your team, why not sign them? Yes their production heading south rather than north, but for a guy like Kovalchuk that means 30 goals instead of 40. Guy is an elite scorer.

I'd definitely sign Kovy, especially if it is only a 1 or 2 year deal! (plus he's not even that old)

[Northendzone]

I’d imagine calagary is closer to the bottom of his list than the top

[really?]

There's a reason people consider a player's age when evaluating their potential performance. Statistics.

As players age their performance declines. Ignore this fact at your own peril.

A couple of years back when Iginla was at this age many loyal fans considered him to be shot. Now folks want to tether themselves to a guy who recently played in a gold medal game against the best German's not in the NHL. Has the scent of desperation.

Time to look within and if it takes more than what the Flames have in the AHL or juniors, then maybe it's time to take a real hard look at the core group on this team.

[schteve_d]

It's silly to say no. If the money is close to reasonable, you absolutely do that. A 6'3, 230 lb. skilled right shot on the top line in a Flames uniform! Yes, please.

Now, him wanting to play in Calgary? That could be a different story.

[midniteowl]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Can't see him signing anywhere but out east.

But just for fun:

Gaudreau - Tavares - Kovalchuk
Tkachuk - Monahan - Bennett

or....

Kovalchuk - Tavares - Bennett
Gaudreau - Monahan - Tkachuk

Ahhh....I'm gonna dream on this....sure gonna be a good one.
THANKS Roof-Daddy

[sureLoss]

Just for reference here is the list of right hand shot UFA forwards for next season:
https://www.capfriendly.com/browse/f...a/desc/1/right

[ricardodw]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Just for reference here is the list of right hand shot UFA forwards for next season:
https://www.capfriendly.com/browse/f...a/desc/1/right

Just looking at cap space and who would be forcing the price of UFAs it seems that the Canucks have 23 M in cap space before the 3-7M increase.

The Sedins might want to play another year but would expect they take 2M or less.

Horvat and Boesser are 2/3 of a top line that would be attractive for a UFA LW.

They have the likely Hobey Baker winner Gaudette who would be really close to NHL ready along with last tear's #5 overall Elias Pettersson who leads the SHL in scoring.

They have last years #33 overall pick Kole Lind with the Rockets that is put up pretty much identical numbers to Flames top prospect Dube... and much better than Dube in his first year after being drafted.

There is a case to be made for a UFA to play with their young talent ... Much the same way as a chance to play with Monahan and Gaudreau (likely attracted Brouwer)

The Flames need to avoid big priced free agents as they by definition are overpaid. Let the Canucks win the bidding war.... if they don't want Brouwer.