Calgary Flames Free Agency Outlook, Potential Fits

Calgary Flames Free Agency Preview/Outlook, Salary Cap Situation, Restricted Free Agents, Team Needs, and Potential Fits

Calgary Flames named their new bench boss on Friday, now the focus for GM Brad Treliving and company turns to the NHL Draft and Free Agency.

Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan headline a long list of restricted free agents looking for a new contract. For the Flames two young stars, both are coming off entry-level deals (ELCs) and should garner a significant pay raise from their previous $925k thousand dollar cap hit.

After surprising the hockey world in 2014-15 with a playoff appearance, the Calgary Flames took a step back in 2015-16. They went 35-40-7 with 77 points, good enough for 12th in the Western Conference.

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Their struggles began between the pipes, but pending UFA Karri Ramo eventually took hold of the starter role – that is until he got injured late in the season.

One of the NHL’s best defense cores struggled at times, and holes were apparent up front.

Luckily, we saw positive signs moving forward. Dougie Hamilton eventually settled in and should have a better year in 2016-17.

The Flames also own the 6th overall pick in Buffalo. Whoever is taken probably won’t make the team in the Fall, but there are a few prospects in that range who could challenge for a roster spot as an 18-year-old.

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Calgary Flames Free Agency Outlook/Preview

Salary Committed to 2016-17: $50,636,231
Number of Players Signed: 36

Notable Unrestricted Free Agents: Derek Grant, Jakub Nakladal, Karri Ramo

Notable Restricted Free Agents: Johhny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan, Joe Colborne, Josh Jooris, Drew Shore, Turner Elson, Joni Ortio, Tyler Wotherspoon, Kenny Agostino, Kevin Poulin

It will be interesting to see what type of term Gaudreau and Monahan receive contract wise.

Johnny Hockey is 22, which means a four-year deal would still protect his RFA status before earning that big-ticket contract.

Sean Monahan, 21, can sign upwards of five years and still keep his RFA status protected before that potential 7-8 year deal.

If the Calgary Flames opt not to move out contracts via buyout/trade this offseason, the team won’t be left with much to spend in free agency. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them shed Dennis Wideman‘s contract, maybe even Matt Stajan (via trade). A Mason Raymond buyout seems likely as well.

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Calgary Flames Free Agency Team Needs

Starting Goalie, Top-Six RW

Calgary’s offensive group is getting deeper as the prospect pool continues to strengthen.

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They have an abundance of NHL ready bottom-six forwards, the only thing missing is a top-six right-winger – preferably 1RW alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.

If Brad Treliving can pull off some magic, maybe Calgary can find a way to swap picks with Columbus in order to draft Finnish standout Jesse Puljujarvi.

The other glaring hole exists between the pipes.

RFA Joni Ortio should be back battling for time in the crease. Calgary also has a pair of very promising prospects in Jon Gillies and Mason McDonald. Unfortunately, the pair might not be ready for a few years.

In the meantime, Brad Treliving and company need to find a short-term option that keeps the Flames competitive until a young star emerges.

We’ve provided free agency options for the Calgary Flames between the pipes, although it would be surprising if they took this route. If the trade market fails, these are their best options – which are fairly slim.

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Potential Calgary Flames Free Agency Targets

Top-Six RW: Kyle Okposo, Teddy Purcell, Loui Eriksson, Troy Brouwer, David Perron

Goalies: James Reimer, Chad Johnson, Jeff Zatkoff

*Salary/Free Agent information was obtained through www.generalfanager.com