Flames Rumours: Young Forward Could Depart In Free Agency

The Calgary Flames have had a solid start to the off-season thus far, 2023 NHL Draft included, but with very little cap room to spare in free agency (until a big trade is potentially made), and as such, moves when free agency begins tomorrow will likely be few and far between.

One move that fans have been waiting for is a potential free agent return for AHL superstar Matthew Phillips, who was unfortunately never given the chance to succeed in the NHL, playing in just two games a season ago despite the offensive struggles and his stellar campaign with the Wranglers. Now, it has been reported by NHL Insider Frank Seravalli that the Flames have offered Phillips a two-year deal to remain with his home town team, and likely get a good shot at the NHL, but he is likely to test free agency when it begins on July 1.

Given the moves the Flames have made this year and will likely continue to make, the path has opened for him to find a spot on the roster from opening night, but after the lack of opportunities given to him under Darryl Sutter, no one could blame him for looking at other opportunities.

In 66 games with the Wranglers this past season, Phillips put up an impressive 36 goals and 40 assists for 76 points, and right now, he’s done all he can at the AHL level to prove his worth, so while he’s testing free agency, the door isn’t completely closed to a reunion with Calgary.

So what do you think? Would you like to see the home town kid given a real shot in the NHL? Could anyone blame him if he moves on after last year? What else do you think Calgary should do in free agency? As always, let us know all your thoughts in the comments below.