The Calgary Flames Of Things To Come: Part Three

In my previous two posts on centers and wingers, I didn’t hold out much hope for the summer possibilities but with the defencemen, there’s a chance for a shake up.  On July 1st, Cory Sarich contract is up, the biggest of this summer for the Flames, and a cool $3.6 million is going to open up for the Flames.  Out on the market, there are some interesting opportunities out there defensively.  The Flames could actually use Sarich’s money for good and pick up someone more worth while than a guy who spends most of his time in the press box watching the games.

What could happen?

Defensemen:

With Sarich at the end of his contract, does this mean there is a chance to really clean house when it comes to dmen?  Does this mean the end of Jay Bouwmeester?  Will there be a complete overhaul of the defensive pairings or will it be the return of subpar performances?

Possible pick ups for the Flames?

Obviously Nicklas Lidstrom will not be joining the Flames organization as his contract comes to an end, Michal Rozsival is open for a move (but trust me when I say, you don’t want him on the Flames), Dennis Wideman is another option, but the true winner of the defencemen UFA signings will be who ever picks up Ryan Suter.  While all signs point to him resigning with the Nashville Predators, if he and Shea Weber struggle to come to an agreement with the team, two of the top dmen of the league will be looking for new teams.  Weber is an RFA this summer, so he won’t be part of the scramble but his pairing will be.  So that’s a long shot but there are some options out there that are better than the current line up for the Flames.

Who would you like to see as a defensive pairing for the Flames this summer?