The NHL free agent period is not quite what it used to be compared to a few years ago.
It seems as if most players have already agreed to full contracts by the time the period officially opens tomorrow, with the Calgary Flames even previously being rumoured to be signing Jake DeBrusk.
The one wild card always exists when teams choose not to qualify some of their restricted free agents the day prior, allowing for a number of new names to hit the market not originally predicted to be there.
The Flames are in an interesting spot with their ongoing rebuild where they are able to sign some of these players to “show me” type contracts when others wouldn’t. Here are some of the more interesting names the team should look into tomorrow morning.
Erik Brannstrom
Brannstrom has a unique Calgary connection if you recall. When Mark Stone was on the trade block, it was the Vegas Golden Knights’ willingness to include their 2017 first-rounder in a potential deal that got the deal done. The Flames meanwhile refused to give up their own first-rounder Juuso Valimaki and eventually lost him on waivers for nothing.
Brannstrom has never really panned out to be the defenceman that many projected him to be. Last season he had his most productive in terms of offensive numbers with 20 points in 76 games, but again, he never looked like a long-term fit in Ottawa.
It would be poetic to see him come to Calgary, and the team has a potential spot for him on the left side. Very much a low-risk, high-reward move to bring Brannstrom into the organization.
Alex Nylander
Nylander, who was an eighth overall selection in 2016, again never found his complete footing in the NHL. Going from Buffalo to Chicago, then to Pittsburgh, then Columbus last season his career has been a bit of a suitcase.
That being said, in 23 games last season he scored 11 goals and 15 points with the team, finally showing off his potential. It was somewhat surprising for a rebuilding team like the Blue Jackets to not take a flyer on him. The risk, if he came to Calgary, would be that he doesn’t find that magic again, but it’s a controlled risk.
Add in the Nylander/Calgary connection and this makes a lot of sense.
Blake Lizotte
In Los Angeles, Lizotte has been a solid bottom-six forward who has produced for the team. Last season he only played 62 games and put up 15 points which was his worst output over the last three seasons.
This screams more like the Kings want to fill out their roster with other players, but this would just benefit other teams looking for depth forwards. He’s not going to be someone who enters a team’s top-six but rather provides grit in your bottom half of the forward group. The only thing would be if the Flames want to fill those roles from within or bring in someone external.
If they decide not to go the A.J. Greer route this summer, Lizotte would be a phenomenal option.
Jake Bean
Bean has been linked to the Flames for years, primarily due to his dad being the former President and CEO of the organization. Perhaps now that Bean has stepped down, the other Bean can fill the namesake in the organization.
Bean was previously acquired by the Blue Jackets for a high price, but never truly stood out on the blueline. Now with that team looking to make the next step, there is not really a role for him anymore.
A hometown reunion could make a lot of sense for players and teams.
There are options available
Free agency comes with a lot of movement and with teams revealing their list of qualifying offers, there’s a whole slate of players looking for a landing spot. If Calgary can play their cards right, these options make sense.
