Brian Burke Says Brad Treliving May Spend To Cap
By Len Nunes
Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving announces Samuel Bennett (not pictured) as the number four overall pick to the Calgary Flames in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sportsnet writer Damien Cox wrote an article on December 9th that scared the hell out of me. Here is the part the scared me:
"“…president Brian Burke made it clear the team is more than willing to start spending some of the more than $19 million in available cap space to make the team even more of a playoff threat.“You can quote me on this. We are budgeted as a full cap team,” said Burke today at the conclusion of the NHL’s board of governors meetings.“The only reason we haven’t been a cap team so far is we haven’t seen the value. But the second we do, (general manager) Brad Treliving is authorized to go right to the cap.””"
Somebody please lock up the Calgary Flames bank accounts pronto!!
Yes this team needs to make a move or two (I’m looking at Brandon Bollig and Sven Baertschi and an upgrade to our third defensive pairing) but this team is not, repeat NOT, at a point where bringing in big contracts is a good idea.
I mean if we could move Curtis Glencross (free agent after the season) and get something of value for him that would earn General Manager Brad Treliving a point in my books. If he could move our most expensive player in Dennis Wideman for a couple defenders that immediately usurp Deryk Engelland and Laddy Smid on the depth chart, that would be spectacular but to take on salary???
The Flames have been reaping the rewards of youngsters Sean Monahan, Johnny Gaudreau, Markus Granlund, and Josh Jooris. The Flames hope to soon reap the rewards of Sam Bennett and Emile Poirier. When these boys come up for contract over the next couple years, their raises will be substantial. Money has to be left in the kitty to reward the kids that have re-vitalized this hockey team. When that day comes, then fine, go ahead and talk about going to the cap max because that’s when winning a Stanley Cup – – not just making the playoffs – – will be at play.
Stay the course Mr. Burke and Mr. Treliving. Let the kids grow and learn. The Flames rebuild has accelerated through the awkward phase into the tinker phase. Don’t be fooled and rush into a win-now phase.