So there are three big Flames rumors. I just wanted to see if they could possibly work.
First one is Pietrangelo (LeBrun). I have seen people sign him with the Flames from 8m to 9.5m. I have him signed at 8.5m with a NTC/NMC clause in some form to bring down the AUV. Realistically, I think its a trade for the rights and sign for 8 years to help bring the AUV down even more. There is some debate if that allowed right now under the CBA. LeBrun says it is but I don't know If it is, I can see Tre sending a third to make it happen.
Markstrom is supposedly tight with Lindholm (Friedman). Do they want to play on the same team? Markstrom apparently is wanting 6x6 according to some Van fans. So some of them they don't feel he will sign for less. I would also add in a NTC/NMC in some form, as that sounds like a stumbling block with Van on the negotiations. Doing so will help bring down his ask and AUV. If he really wants to play with a buddy, he may need to take a bit less for it to happen.
Hall (Flames Fans) I will say right now, signing Hall scares me as he is often hurt. I don't think you can get him for less than 7.5-8 a year. I went at 6.75 as other than the one year with NJ his production is just below Point and Tkachuk so that's were I signed him.
Ryan and Rittich became cap casualties in the example. I sent Ryan to Ottawa as I could see him being a mentor to the younger players and helping with their development. I put a third put it could be a fourth or any team that would take him.
Rittich I sent to Dallas as I think after the playoffs that Khudobin may be to much for Dallas to keep with their RFA signings. This trade could also be to another team looking for a decent 1b option, and the pick does not need to be a third.
With Johnny rumored to wanting to go East, I tried to look at a different trade partner than Philly (its been done over and over). I thought the NYR made the most sense for the Flames but the Rangers are pretty well set at LW. However, players get hurt and Johnny could be a good deadline trade chip to continue the rebuild. I traded Johnny for what I did to get to the Calgary cap to work. I don't think the full value is there but if your adding the three big UFA's and need the cap space, it could change. If the values are off, I am open to suggestions to balance them out.
Looking to the expansion draft, I think Calgary would try to get Lucic to waive for Seattle. He would have a larger role, be closer to home if that's a draw (its not for some players) but Calgary would need to add a pick for that to happen and if the Calgary team performed, Calgary could make it very strong pick. The consensus for the expansion is Bennett, but lots can happen between now and then.
As for the RFA signings, I went with the qualifying offers as the cap space was needed, except for Mangiapane. I think he gets a bridge deal like Bennett did but with a slight bump as he has better numbers than Sam.
I am not sure I have the signing values there, but players have been know to take less to sign with teams. As I said these are just rumors and I am trying to see if it would work. At the end of the Day, I could see Calgary not signing Hall but going hard for Markstom and Pietrangelo. If that were the case, I would change the Rangers trade to Strome, Georgiev, plus for Johnny. That's if the Rangers were interested in Johnny.
Calgary is also right tight to the cap with this structure and Flames fans know what happens when you that tight and players get hurt.
Things would need to 100% perfect for this to happen but that's not how the real world works, but one can dream.
LeBruns a joke he mentioned this with Toronto, Montreal and now Calgary. Toronto is the only likely destination i see with Pietrangelo. Markstrom reportedly wants 6x6 so he's not taking 6x5.5 in Calgary and no freaking way is Hall signing that cheaply.