The Calgary Flames are projected to have around $20 million in cap space this offseason as they embark on a retool/rebuild process with a focus on developing their young players. MacKenzie Weegar expressed his excitement for the team’s future in a recent interview, acknowledging that the Flames may not be competitive in the immediate future and need to acquire assets for the long term. General Manager Craig Conroy has already started making moves by trading many of the team’s pending unrestricted free agents to avoid losing them for nothing in free agency.
One strategy the Flames are considering is taking on bad contracts from other teams in exchange for assets. While this may not seem appealing at first, it can be a successful approach if executed effectively. For instance, the Montreal Canadiens acquired Sean Monahan from the Flames in the 2022 offseason when Calgary needed to free up cap space. Monahan’s trade value was low due to performance issues, so the Flames had to include assets to move his contract. However, Monahan thrived with the Canadiens and was eventually flipped for a first-round pick to the Winnipeg Jets, showcasing the value of smart asset management.
Another team known for this strategy is the Utah (formerly Arizona) franchise, which accumulated draft picks by taking on bad contracts from other teams. The Flames could follow a similar path by leveraging their cap space to absorb undesirable contracts in exchange for assets. This could potentially lead to a higher return on investment down the line if the acquired players increase their trade value while in Calgary.
One example of this approach is the situation with Andrei Kuzmenko, who was considered a “cap dump” in a trade involving Elias Lindholm. Kuzmenko struggled with the Vancouver Canucks but found success with the Flames, hinting at the potential for asset management opportunities if Calgary decides to move him as a pending unrestricted free agent.
By considering the strategy of taking on bad contracts to collect assets and potentially enhance player value, the Flames could strengthen their position for future trades and roster improvements. It’s a concept that comes with risks but offers the potential for substantial rewards in the long run.
