The Calgary Flames took a very pragmatic approach to the free agent frenzy on July 1, 2024.
Often a team spends a lot on free agents that they shouldn’t—Craig Conroy’s approach was to ink players to shorter team deals to take a bigger picture approach to the organization’s future.
This was evident in the one-year deal for Anthony Mantha and the two-year deal for Ryan Lomberg. The team isn’t looking to shell out a lot of money right now, but rather save cap space and look towards making asset-heavy moves in the future.
That being said, the team reportedly tried making a few additional moves yesterday that didn’t pan out as well as they could have. There were a few players whom the team was noted to have offers on the table for before they opted to sign with other teams, while others were more connected at a high level.
Viktor. Arvidsson and Josh Brown
Two of those players, Viktor Arvidsson and Josh Brown, both were close to signing with the Flames before taking offers with the Edmonton Oilers. Arvidsson must have stung more, as with a wide-open top-six forward group he could have been a valuable asset moving forward. Brown on the other hand was more of a bullet dodged based on his career stats and fit with the franchise.
Jason Zucker
Another forward who took his talents elsewhere was Jason Zucker, who per Sportsnet’s Pat Steinberg had a two-year offer on the table with the Flames. Zucker ended up signing for one season with the Buffalo Sabres at $5M a season, which is a number the Flames couldn’t get to.
Based on Steinberg’s report on Flames Talk today, it sounded as if the number could have been around $3.5M a season, which Zucker could surpass if he gets a second contract next year anywhere above $2M. Ironically this was the same number that Mantha signed for, so I’m wondering if that was the team’s internal “cap” for veteran forwards.
Jake DeBrusk
Jake DeBrusk had been linked to the organization for weeks, with TWC’s own James Johnson reporting that the sides had mutual interest. It sounded like the Flames had discussed a four-year deal with DeBrusk just over $6M a season, but based on the Vancouver Canucks’ change of plans with free agents their seven-year deal was far greater.
This sounds as if this contract was offered more recently and the Flames were left without DeBrusk’s services, which may be for the best.
Anthony Duclair
Highly speculated for almost two years now, but Jonathan Huberdeau’s infamous linemate will not be joining him in Calgary. Anthony Duclair signed a four-year deal with the New York Islanders which is fantastic for him after consecutive seasons of short-term contracts.
Many had linked the Flames open winger spot to Duclair, but it’s clear the Flames were not able to offer a four-year deal to him in free agency. It’s hard to pin down if this is more speculation or an actual report, but based on the team’s desire to get Huberdeau going in the future it’s likely a conversation was had at minimum.
Still getting the job done
While the Flames missed out on a few names, they didn’t exactly sit idle either. They added players to their roster during a busy open to free agency and the roster they ice next season is already drastically different. Ushering the rebuild will be a fun time as the team finally embraces their direction.
