Someone on here had a great suggestion which, to me, makes complete sense. The suggestion was trading out PIT pick and Butler (low salary) for PHI 1st and Timmonen (high salary). The added benefit to us would be that Timmonen is a FA at the end of next season so picking up an extra 1st at the deadline would seem quite plausible.

We are still loaded with wingers for next year so Cammi would be the 1st one I w ould look at moving but to get anything reasonable back I'm sure we would have to retain or take back salary. I think GlenX, Gio, Wideman and Hudler are likely the best vets mentoring the kids, so Cammi and/or Tangs would be the best to look at moving, IMO.
- TandA4Flames

I think moving cammi and holding onto say 2-3 million in cap would be great. Alot of teams would love to add him that cheap. And why not, I don't see calgary being a cap team next year. To me it's the perfect time for a rebuild. Changes in the CBA, cap dropping almost 6mill. Teams are going to be looking for ways to get rid of salary and add a good piece cheap. Maybe I'm in dreamland.

I think moving cammi and holding onto say 2-3 million in cap would be great. Alot of teams would love to add him that cheap. And why not, I don't see calgary being a cap team next year. To me it's the perfect time for a rebuild. Changes in the CBA, cap dropping almost 6mill. Teams are going to be looking for ways to get rid of salary and add a good piece cheap. Maybe I'm in dreamland.
- Flames1977

I agree with you. I think the only stumbling block is Cammy has a limited no trade. I think he would have to give a list of 6 or 8 teams. Not exactly sure how many teams it is.

I agree with you. I think the only stumbling block is Cammy has a limited no trade. I think he would have to give a list of 6 or 8 teams. Not exactly sure how many teams it is.
- whipper334

I think we are stuck with Cammi until the trade deadline next year. 6.0mill is too high & I dont see Feaster being creative enough. Whoever we pick first, I doubt that kid will play more than the 8-9 games they are allowed before being shipped down to the AHL. OK by us because I think Reinhart is going to get a good look & that Hanakowski kid. I sense Feaster is going to target RFA's that everyone would want but teams are so cap strapped to resign. One of our B prospects & our late 1st rounders will probably be spent acquiring 2 of these post-apex RFA's. There are a number of them out there. Now if by some fluke Jones were to drop to us in 2nd or 3rd spot, I see Philly dangling their 1st & Couturier for a shot at Jones & maybe another of our assets, Brossoit maybe. So if Philly is picking 6th or 7th, we can score a #2 centre with some upside to maybe top line & still get a Monohan or a pretty sweet prospect. Would you do that?

I think we are stuck with Cammi until the trade deadline next year. 6.0mill is too high & I dont see Feaster being creative enough. Whoever we pick first, I doubt that kid will play more than the 8-9 games they are allowed before being shipped down to the AHL. OK by us because I think Reinhart is going to get a good look & that Hanakowski kid. I sense Feaster is going to target RFA's that everyone would want but teams are so cap strapped to resign. One of our B prospects & our late 1st rounders will probably be spent acquiring 2 of these post-apex RFA's. There are a number of them out there. Now if by some fluke Jones were to drop to us in 2nd or 3rd spot, I see Philly dangling their 1st & Couturier for a shot at Jones & maybe another of our assets, Brossoit maybe. So if Philly is picking 6th or 7th, we can score a #2 centre with some upside to maybe top line & still get a Monohan or a pretty sweet prospect. Would you do that?
- Kevin R

Hard to say. I think your argument is probably all for not. Jones will not drop. If we pretend he did maybe something could pan out. But I like I said before I'm not sold on Court. (there's a good possibility I'm out to lunch though)

Could be possible but I have a hard time believing Philly would do that. Cammy and keeping some salary might work. I don't think anyone would touch Tangs.
- whipper334

I'm certainly not saying Cammi to PHI but PHI will need to dump some salary. By trading for Butler and moving out Timmonen they save almost $5mil and they still get a 1st rounder. Maybe the St Louis pick would work better but for CGY to eat basically 5mil, a larger gap between 1st's doesn't seem that unreasonable. But considering recent trades, Feaster likely does that but accepts a college prospect instead of a 1st.

I think we are stuck with Cammi until the trade deadline next year. 6.0mill is too high & I dont see Feaster being creative enough. Whoever we pick first, I doubt that kid will play more than the 8-9 games they are allowed before being shipped down to the AHL. OK by us because I think Reinhart is going to get a good look & that Hanakowski kid. I sense Feaster is going to target RFA's that everyone would want but teams are so cap strapped to resign. One of our B prospects & our late 1st rounders will probably be spent acquiring 2 of these post-apex RFA's. There are a number of them out there. Now if by some fluke Jones were to drop to us in 2nd or 3rd spot, I see Philly dangling their 1st & Couturier for a shot at Jones & maybe another of our assets, Brossoit maybe. So if Philly is picking 6th or 7th, we can score a #2 centre with some upside to maybe top line & still get a Monohan or a pretty sweet prospect. Would you do that?
- Kevin R

There are worse things than being "stuck" with Cammi. I think he may be a little more open to go to a team that may contend, especially since his contract is up next season. But, if he brings a 1st at the next DL, that's fine.

I agree re: that any prospect we draft will play no more than 8-9 gms but they would be returned to their junior clubs as the AHL has an age requirement I believe. Except for maybe Euro's, i'm not sure how that works.

I agree with Whipper that I don't see Jones falling to 3rd. Our only hope there is winning the lottery and then trading that far down to PHI pick is crazy I think; I certainly wouldn't give up Brossoit in that scenario.

Who do you see as realistic RFA options for poaching? I just don't see any team dumping young, cheaper talent, that we would see worth getting, to get under the cap. I think that would be the last resort. I think an expensive vet and a pick is far more likely.

I'm certainly not saying Cammi to PHI but PHI will need to dump some salary. By trading for Butler and moving out Timmonen they save almost $5mil and they still get a 1st rounder. Maybe the St Louis pick would work better but for CGY to eat basically 5mil, a larger gap between 1st's doesn't seem that unreasonable. But considering recent trades, Feaster likely does that but accepts a college prospect instead of a 1st.
- TandA4Flames

I think it would have to be the St. Louis pick instead of the Pittsburgh one.

As it stands now, PHI picks 7th, STL picks 20th, and Pittsburgh in 29th (and i know that playoffs does dictate those later picks). I don't see the flyers dropping from 7th overall to 29th overall just to dump salary. Mainly because with the lowering cap next year, it's not like thay can use that salary cap gained on other players. I think that the idea of adding Cammi and eating some of his salary may be more convincing to Philadelphia. Yeah they don't gain as much cap room, but they do get something a lot more effective on the ice for a greatly reduced rate.

Beyond that I don't really see any other team currently picking in the top 10 being apt to trade away their pick. That is unless the Flames can do it in stages. Move a 1st and a player to move up some, then move that new pick and another player to move up more. Then the other teams wouldn't have to drop as far in the draft. In my opinion after the first 4 or 5 players, the next 5 to 8 are all pretty even in potential. Makes moving between say 6th pick to 13th pick not so much of a loss in the player a team would get.

Little change of topic but could help out at the draft with getting pics. It seems alot of people are against holding salary back in a trade or trading to dump salary. I think calgary is in a great position to do this. Are there deals out there that you guys think would benefit the flames from doing this?
- Flames1977

My knowledge of CAR is pretty weak but with them recently signing Seminto a long term expensive contract, it seems to me that they are in go-for-it mode. Capgeek.com says they have about $7.5mil in space for next year with 17 players already signed. It seems that they have soured somewhat on McBain, I could be wrong. But maybe they would take Cammi at a reduced cap hit or Tangs for their 1st. Maybe we throw in a later pick or a less than significant prospect.

NSH is another team that could use scoring. Perhaps they could offer their 1st for Cammi at rediced rate. Although they tend not to be a cap spending team. THen again, maybe a lot f these teams already expected to spend to $64-65 for the next few years, before they knew the cap would go down.

The only 1st that may fall into the top 10 that I think would be completely off the table would be FLA, COL, PHI (without getting another in return) and BUF.

I like barkov better but i think we cant pass up drouin or mackinnon if there available. I juat hope that barkov wont end up like granlund on minnesota, who has still not found a major role on his team 3 years after being drafted

There are worse things than being "stuck" with Cammi. I think he may be a little more open to go to a team that may contend, especially since his contract is up next season. But, if he brings a 1st at the next DL, that's fine.

I agree re: that any prospect we draft will play no more than 8-9 gms but they would be returned to their junior clubs as the AHL has an age requirement I believe. Except for maybe Euro's, i'm not sure how that works.

I agree with Whipper that I don't see Jones falling to 3rd. Our only hope there is winning the lottery and then trading that far down to PHI pick is crazy I think; I certainly wouldn't give up Brossoit in that scenario.

Who do you see as realistic RFA options for poaching? I just don't see any team dumping young, cheaper talent, that we would see worth getting, to get under the cap. I think that would be the last resort. I think an expensive vet and a pick is far more likely.
- TandA4Flames

Tanev might be worth taking a look at for an offer sheet. VCR can't afford him and there's no room to crack the top 4 with their D.

The Jets have money, but Wheeler and Bogosian are worth keeping an eye on I think as well. A D with a meaner streak like Bogosian is something I would like to get on the team (and RH to boot.)

My knowledge of CAR is pretty weak but with them recently signing Seminto a long term expensive contract, it seems to me that they are in go-for-it mode. Capgeek.com says they have about $7.5mil in space for next year with 17 players already signed. It seems that they have soured somewhat on McBain, I could be wrong. But maybe they would take Cammi at a reduced cap hit or Tangs for their 1st. Maybe we throw in a later pick or a less than significant prospect.

NSH is another team that could use scoring. Perhaps they could offer their 1st for Cammi at rediced rate. Although they tend not to be a cap spending team. THen again, maybe a lot f these teams already expected to spend to $64-65 for the next few years, before they knew the cap would go down.

The only 1st that may fall into the top 10 that I think would be completely off the table would be FLA, COL, PHI (without getting another in return) and BUF.
- TandA4Flames

I like the ideas, but I think that with Carolina and Nashville currently with top 6 picks, that it will take the addition of one of Calgary's other first rounders (probably the STL pick) to get them to be willing to trade away theirs. I would suggest offering a reduced rate Cammalleri and the STL pick for one of their first. I also think this would be an option for Philadelphia.

It seems to me that Carolina and Philadelphia would be looking at this season as a freak, bad luck season. Both teams seem to be much more built to be going for it, and established, productive players would be more attractive to them.

While it is hard to like the "eating of part of Cammilleri's salary, remember it is for only 1 season, and with a re-build / youth movement, the Flames should have cap room available for that one season.

Tanev might be worth taking a look at for an offer sheet. VCR can't afford him and there's no room to crack the top 4 with their D.

The Jets have money, but Wheeler and Bogosian are worth keeping an eye on I think as well. A D with a meaner streak like Bogosian is something I would like to get on the team (and RH to boot.)
- numbear

I would love either of those 2 players.
Wasn't Wheeler a former college player? Right up Feaster and Weisbrod's ally.

Tanev might be worth taking a look at for an offer sheet. VCR can't afford him and there's no room to crack the top 4 with their D.

The Jets have money, but Wheeler and Bogosian are worth keeping an eye on I think as well. A D with a meaner streak like Bogosian is something I would like to get on the team (and RH to boot.)
- numbear

Tanev will depend on what van does in the playoffs ... If they struggle I think they would match any reasonable offer sheet , and deal one of the other d ... Tanev might be their most consistent d man this year ... If van goes deep but just misses then they might want to keep their top 4 d in tact .... I just think they are very high on him ... They might even look at getting rid of edler and keeping tanev

I like the ideas, but I think that with Carolina and Nashville currently with top 6 picks, that it will take the addition of one of Calgary's other first rounders (probably the STL pick) to get them to be willing to trade away theirs. I would suggest offering a reduced rate Cammalleri and the STL pick for one of their first. I also think this would be an option for Philadelphia.

It seems to me that Carolina and Philadelphia would be looking at this season as a freak, bad luck season. Both teams seem to be much more built to be going for it, and established, productive players would be more attractive to them.

While it is hard to like the "eating of part of Cammilleri's salary, remember it is for only 1 season, and with a re-build / youth movement, the Flames should have cap room available for that one season.
- dal_johnson

I would add NSH into that group that may view this season as an anomally.

I would love either of those 2 players.
Wasn't Wheeler a former college player? Right up Feaster and Weisbrod's ally.
- TandA4Flames

RFA's worth targeting would be Stepan, Hagelin, Mcdonough, Henrique & I would love to add a sparkplug like Rinaldo to the mix. Offer sheeting to beat the band is a dangerous game to play if you have a good chance of being a top 5 pick again next year. I cringe at that approach. But if NJ would part with Henrique for our Pit 1st & St Louis 1st so they can use that Pitt 1st as their penalty pick for the Kovalchuk fiasco, wow, now that would be a coo.

Tanev will depend on what van does in the playoffs ... If they struggle I think they would match any reasonable offer sheet , and deal one of the other d ... Tanev might be their most consistent d man this year ... If van goes deep but just misses then they might want to keep their top 4 d in tact .... I just think they are very high on him ... They might even look at getting rid of edler and keeping tanev
- Redmile247

So much of this depends on Luongo or Schneider getting moved. In the end, I wouldn't be surprised to see Lou dealt just for a 1st in 2014. VAN will definitley need to do something a well. I think they are thee highest payroll for next year and I believe they are over.

**Edit: nope, PHI is highest but VAN only has 15 players under contract and less than $1.4mil to complete their roster. Ouch!

No worries about the weekend, Colin. Hope all is good.

Last nights game was just what I would hope from the rest of this season, a strong effort but in the end, no points for CGY. 6 gms to go and we remain in the 3 slot for drafting; not a bad spot to be in and a better than outside shot at winning the lottery.

The # that stands out to me re: Monahan is the 15 PP goals in 31 total goals. That is a very high % on special teams. I would look at him with our 2nd pick or if we were able to aquire a 2nd pick in the top 10 but certainly not with a top 3 or 4 pick.
- TandA4Flames

Thanks, been a crazy weekend for me.

In which spot are you guys expected to pick? If you're top 4, no Monahan please. There are better options out there I guess.

So much of this depends on Luongo or Schneider getting moved. In the end, I wouldn't be surprised to see Lou dealt just for a 1st in 2014. VAN will definitley need to do something a well. I think they are thee highest payroll for next year and I believe they are over.

**Edit: nope, PHI is highest but VAN only has 15 players under contract and less than $1.4mil to complete their roster. Ouch!
- TandA4Flames

so 7mill ish if they trade luongo.

no 4th line signed (so 2.5 mil there)
no 3rd line centre (3.5 mil if roy, or/and signing schreoder (2mil there)
backup goalie (1mil)

I say they have about 2mil tops to offer tanev, someone can easily offer that. worth a 2nd round pick.

Tanev will depend on what van does in the playoffs ... If they struggle I think they would match any reasonable offer sheet , and deal one of the other d ... Tanev might be their most consistent d man this year ... If van goes deep but just misses then they might want to keep their top 4 d in tact .... I just think they are very high on him ... They might even look at getting rid of edler and keeping tanev
- Redmile247

I think worst case scenario would be that VAN buys out Booth and Ballard. That would save them almost $8.5mil. Plus if they move Lou (which I'm sure they will) they would have plenty to resign Tanev and likely Roy. I could see them walking away from Raymond. I don't think I would be interested as he is another LW which we have about 4 billion of.

I think worst case scenario would be that VAN buys out Booth and Ballard. That would save them almost $8.5mil. Plus if they move Lou (which I'm sure they will) they would have plenty to resign Tanev and likely Roy. I could see them walking away from Raymond. I don't think I would be interested as he is another LW which we have about 4 billion of.
- TandA4Flames

They still need to fill those roster spots though. It'll be very interesting to see how everything shakes out this summer.

I think worst case scenario would be that VAN buys out Booth and Ballard. That would save them almost $8.5mil. Plus if they move Lou (which I'm sure they will) they would have plenty to resign Tanev and likely Roy. I could see them walking away from Raymond. I don't think I would be interested as he is another LW which we have about 4 billion of.
- TandA4Flames

I agree with the first part , but I'm still wondering about Roy in van , I know they would like him to stay but this is his last big contract so he will want to cash in not take a discount .... Unless van is willing to give a long contract with lower cap hit and I doubt after luongo contract they sign anyone too long term

I agree with the first part , but I'm still wondering about Roy in van , I know they would like him to stay but this is his last big contract so he will want to cash in not take a discount .... Unless van is willing to give a long contract with lower cap hit and I doubt after luongo contract they sign anyone too long term
- Redmile247

Lucky for them the new CBA protects them from being stupid. Well, stupid beyond 7 years anyway... or is it 8?

RFA's worth targeting would be Stepan, Hagelin, Mcdonough, Henrique & I would love to add a sparkplug like Rinaldo to the mix. Offer sheeting to beat the band is a dangerous game to play if you have a good chance of being a top 5 pick again next year. I cringe at that approach. But if NJ would part with Henrique for our Pit 1st & St Louis 1st so they can use that Pitt 1st as their penalty pick for the Kovalchuk fiasco, wow, now that would be a coo.
- Kevin R

Exactly! No way in hell do we try to poach an RFA if it costs us next years 1st +.

Lucky for them the new CBA protects them from being stupid. Well, stupid beyond 7 years anyway... or is it 8?
- TandA4Flames

I think it's 8 if it's your own player lol but that's not your point tho really haha