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Flames Free Agent Frenzy Tracker |
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When I went about my "draft tracker" post, I purposely made it very news-oriented because I did not trust my insight on all of these young players. I wanted to take the opposite approach for my "free agent frenzy" tracker. By the time you read this, you will all know the news. I'll focus on my thoughts as moves are made.
Flames Acquire Nikita Zadorov from Blackhawks
Well, slide-out Mark Giordano and slide in Nikita Zadorov. Not necessarily the replacement I was expecting. The current RFA can play both sides of the ice; however, it appears as though he will partner up with Rasmus Andersson on the second pairing for now. If the intention is for Calgary to have their two top pairs with both an offensive-minded and defensive-minded blueliner, they are getting that. Unfortunately, Andersson won't rely much on Zadorov to carry the puck on his own stick.
At the end of the day, we will judge this acquisition based on the contract Zadorov receives. As long as Calgary doesn't break the bank, he is a fine addition, especially for just a third-round pick.
The big question is, does this deal make the Flames better than they were last year? My initial answer is no. As of now, you are looking at a Giordano for Zadorov swap. Zadorov does not bring to the table everything that Gio did.
Flames Sign Blake Coleman to Six-Year, $29.4 Million Contract
I really like Blake Coleman and think he will be a welcome addition to the Flames roster. We knew this was a player that would receive an increase in value due to playing for the two-time Stanley Cup-winning Lightning. Personally, I don't mind the $4.9 million AAV. However, at the age of 29, I do not necessarily love the term. Preferably, Calgary would have been better off with a four-year deal, but that would have given them less cap space to play with.
Regardless, the Flames get a quality middle-six forward that will likely start the season on the team's second line. A hard-hitting and aggressive player, Coleman fits right into the Sutter system.
Of course, there is still time, but for right now, it appears Brad Treliving is more interested in adding pieces to support the current core instead of replacing one of those key pieces.
Flames Sign Trevor Lewis for One Year at $800K
Obviously, this is a depth move. If the Flames intend for Trevor Lewis to be a member of the everyday roster, it will be as a fourth-line center. Last season, he recorded five goals and five assists through 56 games, averaging 9:52 of ice-time. Additionally, he's another guy who is not afraid to throw the body around and brings with him Cup-winning experience.
Understanding that his role is limited, I am totally fine with this move.
Flames Acquire Dan Vladar from Boston
As the first day of free agency dwindled, the backup goalie market looked pretty bleak. With the Flames still needing someone to backup Markstrom, I was starting to wonder what Brad Treliving’s plan was.
Well, he answered by acquiring Dan Vladar from Boston in exchange for a third-round pick. I really like this pick-up for the Flames. They receive a young and promising goaltender at a meager cost. With Markstrom being the undisputed number one goalie, Vladar can learn behind him and continue developing.
The only thing I’d consider if I were the Flames is picking up a reliable third option. The book on Vladar is still very short, and they will be best served with a safe backup plan.
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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