Working Around the New Cap

Team: 2019-20 Calgary Flames

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 24, 2019

Published: Jun. 24, 2019

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

After a quiet draft weekend for the Flames compared to usual (four previous drafts Treliving had made a major trade), and the cap number for next year finally known, the team will have to work fast with the free agency period upcoming to retain their key RFA's, and perhaps later delve into the UFA market to bolster what was a solid team last season. Key items on the to-do list include fitting Tkachuk, Bennett, and Rittich with cap space left over to find the second piece of the solution in net for this team, as well as bolstering the top six forward group (something last year's UFA signing James Neal failed to deliver on last season).

RFA's
Tkachuk - Comments on Mathews deal leads me to believe he is wanting a short term deal at UFA $. Treliving drives a hard bargain and gets him on the 6.75M Gio/Johnny cap for the first three years and Tkachuk's camp gets Skinner money (9M) for each year after the third. 5 x 7.65M.
Bennett - Had a great playoffs and Treliving's comments lead me to believe he sees the guy as a long term supporting piece for this Flames team. Key will be finding the right dollar value and term to get him to sign before seeing what offer sheets come his way (he is a target as Calgary is cap strapped and his value to Calgary is well above the RFA compensation for what he likely gets offered (2nd round pick)). I think he enjoys the new role he's found on this competitive team and wants to be here for a while. Flames management seems to like him as well and he's consistently stepped up his game in the playoffs. I think they settle on a 5 x $2.95M.
Rittich - Looks like he is developing well and went from solid backup to platoon starter over the course of last season. Likely wants a short term deal betting on himself to cement his starting role on Calgary over a couple seasons. Signs a short term deal similar to Gibson's second contract (3 @ 3.3% of cap) but for two years. 2 x 2.75M.
Mangiapane - Signs a short term extension looking to build on his solid back half of last season. 2 x 925k.
Quine - Accepts an offer for one year at 800k to be the 13th forward on a good team rather than play more frequently on a bad team.
Rychel - Brought back for the AHL team on his qualifying offer.
Valiev - Returns to help lead the AHL team on his qualifying offer.

UFA's
Hathaway - Will be offered a contract that the Flames can't match due to their cap crunch. Flames will hope Tuulola will fill the vacated role after some conditioning to the North American size rink down in the AHL.
Fantenberg - Could be brought back if the Flames move both Brodie and Stone. I expect he signs somewhere where he will be an everyday player though.
Smith - Flames could circle back and sign him if all other goal tending options fall through.
All other Flames UFA's will not be returning.
Flames target a right shot

Trades
I've commented on each one I've made within the trade itself. Overall, the Flames need to move out a bit of money, find a platoon level goalie, and ideally find an upgrade to the top six forward group.

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