Calgary Flames Free Agency Day One Recap

Day one of free agency in the NHL was nothing short of chaotic, and while Craig Conroy stuck true to his word of not giving out long-term deals to free agents, that doesn't mean he wasn't active. It took the Calgary Flames GM a few hours to get active, but once that happened the Flames couldn't help but make some intriguing deals, so let's take a look.

Anthony Mantha; 1-year, $3.5 million AAV

The first deal to get announced for the Flames was veteran winger Anthony Mantha, who joins Calgary on a one-year deal, and given his relationship with Jonathan Huberdeau, it appears the Flames are looking for the connection to convey on the ice. The 29-year old had a total of 23 goals and 44 points a season ago, and if nothing else, he could bring pure finishing ability to a lineup that's devoid of top finishing talent.

On top of that, Mantha was traded a year ago for a second-round pick and a fourth-round pick at the trade deadline, so if nothing else, it's a cheap one-year deal giving Calgary the ability to get an asset or two in return at the deadline in 2025.

Jake Bean; 2-years, $1.75 million AAV

Shortly thereafter, the Flames locked up a local Calgary kid, as they came to terms with depth defenseman Jake Bean, who was recently not given the qualifying offer in Columbus, showing that this may be nothing but a depth move for the Flames.

The cap hit is very manageable for a team with plenty of room to spare however, and given the need for defenseman around the league, he's another possibility for a trade candidate at the deadline in 2025. It's more likely however that this move was pushed upon the Flames given Bean's connections in Calgary, and if nothing else, he can be a solid extra defenseman for the next two years for a team that need bodies on the blue line while their prospects develop.

Devin Cooley; 2-years, 775k AAV

The deals quickly rolled in for the Flames, who quickly filled another position of need as they locked up former San Jose Sharks goaltender Devin Cooley on a two-year deal to be the third goaltender with the Flames.

The first year of Cooley's deal will be a two-way contract, with the second year being a one-way deal, and while he's not expected to play much of a role, he could be a solid replacement for Dustin Wolf with the Calgary Wranglers, and with some success and experience at the NHL level, he could play if needed.

Ryan Lomberg; 2-years, $2 million AAV

Next up is a familiar face to Flames fans, with Stanley Cup Champion Ryan Lomberg returning to the team on a two-year deal that will no doubt help the team bring plenty of fire, passion and excitement to the forward group.

With the arrival of Lomberg, it appears A.J. Greer is on the way out after a solid first year in Calgary, but now, the Flames are reunited with a former fan favourite. It's safe to say that Lomberg won't be hoisting the Stanley Cup again in 2025, but with roster spots to fill at affordable marks, it's safe to say this was a solid deal once again for Craig Conroy.

Martin Frk; 1-year, two-way, 775k AAV

To wrap the day up, Conroy and the Flames landed a fifth player in the form of Martin Frk, a 30-year old winger that was last seen in the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings back in 2021-22 after being a second round pick back in 2012.

This one will likely act as a depth pickup, as the teeam are full of wingers at the NHL level, but for this type of contract, it was a solid move for Conroy as he looks to stack as many tradeable assets as possible.