The main storyline surrounding the Calgary Flames last season was the movement surrounding their pending UFAs. Players like Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin, and Chris Tanev were all traded due to not reaching agreements for new contracts, which kicked off a retool in the organization.
The Flames don’t have as many high-profile UFAs to worry about this season. In this short article, let’s take a look at all the pending UFAs on the team, and whether the Flames should bring them back or not.
Andrei Kuzemenko, LW
Andrei Kuzmenko has not had a good season so far. When he first arrived in Calgary from Vancouver, he scored at a 40-goal pace, recording 14 goals in 29 games. He was seen as being a major trade chip for the Flames for them to get assets to further help with their retooling.
However, that plan has completely gone out the window. Kuzmenko only has 11 points in 34 games and has been a healthy scratch numerous times this season. His trade value is at an all-time low, and the team likely won’t get much back for him.
If a contender doesn’t take a chance on him by the deadline, the Flames will probably let him walk. Kuzmenko has not had the contract year he hoped for, and there’s even speculation that he could return to the KHL next season.
Anthony Mantha, RW
One of the biggest acquisitions for the Flames in the offseason was signing Anthony Mantha to a one-year prove-it deal. Mantha was supposed to be a potential linemate for Jonathan Huberdeau, and it was an opportunity for him to boost his numbers in hopes of likely getting traded to a contender at the deadline.
Well that won’t be happening now, as Mantha sustained a season-ending injury to his ACL that required surgery. It killed the chance for Mantha to prove himself, and for the Flames to get an asset for him at the deadline.
I don’t see a reason for the Flames to re-sign Mantha for next season. Unless they try to give him another shot, the Flames already have a logjam on the wing.
Kevin Rooney, C
Kevin Rooney has been the Flames’ fourth-line center for the majority of the season so far, and he hasn’t been good. Rooney has been a part of the line that’s been badly outplayed when on the ice.
Rooney’s role is easily replaceable, but the Flames have favored him for whatever reason. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Flames offered him an extension, but the fans definitely wouldn’t be happy.
Justin Kirkland, C
The Flames called up Justin Kirkland earlier this season, and he didn’t disappoint. He scored his first NHL goal with the club and was a master in shootouts for the team.
He played great in the role of being the team’s fourth-line center and instantly became a fan favourite. However, the injury bug would also strike him hard, as he would also get a season-ending ACL injury that would require surgery.
Kirkland is a player I hope the team re-signs. He would be a great replacement for Rooney centering the fourth line, and deserves another crack at being an NHL regular.
Tyson Barrie, D
The Flames in my opinion have underutilized Tyson Barrie. He was originally signed to a PTO near training camp, and would eventually earn a one-year contract.
He’s only played nine games this season, being a regular in the press box. It’s quite bizarre how he hasn’t appeared in more games, as he can be an asset offensively despite his defensive struggles. He’s mostly acting as a veteran locker-room presence.
With him being 33 and originally joining the team on a PTO, I don’t see the Flames offering an extension. The Flames have a lot of defenceman in the minors that could act as the team’s seventh or eighth player for the team’s blueline.
Joel Hanley, D
Being in a similar situation to Barrie, Joel Hanley is currently the team’s seventh defenceman. He’s appeared in 19 games this season and has mostly been playing alongside Mackenzie Weegar, who has been a pretty effective pair.
Hanley was originally a waiver claim from the Dallas Stars last season. The Flames likely let him walk, as his role is easily replaceable by the defenceman the Flames have in the AHL.
Dan Vladar, G
It seems like the majority of the Flames fanbase agrees that the team should look to move on from Dan Vladar next season. The 27-year-old has played 20 games, posting a 6-9-5 record with a 0.889 save percentage.
Dustin Wolf has been the goaltender to rely on this year. The Flames also have Devin Cooley, who they signed to a two-year deal which converts into a one-way contract next season, and he’s been dominating in the AHL.
It really makes no sense to bring back Vladar, and his NHL ceiling is a backup at this point. It also doesn’t help how he’s been underperforming this season, as his trade value is also very low. Wolf is the team’s clear-cut number-one starter and therefore, it would make sense for the Flames to run a Wolf-Cooley tandem next season.
