Calgary Flames Remain Relatively Quiet on Free Agency Frenzy
By Ramina Shlah
On July 1st, also known as the day NHL players become free agents, the Calgary Flames remained relatively quiet as opposed to their last couple weeks.
With the last few weeks being busy for the Calgary Flames and GM Brad Treliving, it’s no surprise they stayed relatively quiet on Free Agency day yesterday. There were talks that they were going to try and sign Patrick Marleau or Patrick Sharp. Some were hoping for a guy like Justin Williams too.
Well seeing how much Marleau signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs ($6.25 million AAV) and how much Williams signed with the Carolina Hurricanes ($4.5 million AAV), the Flames definitely couldn’t afford those two. And Patrick Sharp took quite the discount so he could play again with the Chicago Blackhawks.
Many Flames fans on Twitter were also hoping the Flames would be signing Jarome Iginla. They haven’t yet, but he still remains a free agent, so it’s a possibility. Unlikely, but we can all hope, right? Another older guy who remains an FA still is Jaromir Jagr. Lots of Flames fans are wanting Jagr as well, but again, we can all hope for now.
Related Story: Flames Shouldn't Sign FA Patrick Sharp
They did however make two signings, one yesterday and one today. None that were as big as a Marleau to Toronto or if Iginla were to come back to Calgary. But nonetheless, they still added some depth.
They signed LW Marek Hrivik to a one-year two-way contract. Hrivik spent the last two seasons part of the New York Rangers organization. Last year he went between the Rangers and their AHL affiliate.the Hartford Wolfpack. He played 16 games last season with the Rangers and had just two assists. However, with the Wolfpack, he net 16 goals and 40 points in 56 games. He’ll most likely be spending most of his time down in Stockton.
Today, the Flames also signed former Oiler Luke Gazdic to a one-year two-way contract as well. Gazdic has spent three years with Edmonton and last season spent his NHL time with the New Jersey Devils where he got 0 points in 11 NHL games. He got 7 points in 37 games with their AHL affiliate, the Albany Devils. Needless to say, he’ll probably also be spending time down in Stockton.
Next: Figuring Out Michael Stone's Partner
They may have not made any big moves, but the Calgary Flames are playing it safe after the news that just won’t stop breaking with this team over the last few weeks.