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Matt Cane of HockeyGraphs recently released his
annual contract projections for pending free agents, be it unrestricted or restricted.
His model takes into account production, ice time, usage, etc. and comes up with numbers based on what comparable players have fetched on their deals.
It's not always going to be right but generally it's pretty accurate. For example, Cane's model projected Evander Kane would sign for ~$7.3 million annually. The latter signed for $7 million.
With the Calgary Flames having 10 (depth) players in need of new deals, although only a few will actually get them, I thought it'd be fun to take a look at their projected contracts and offer some thoughts.
We'll start with the most 'lucrative' and work our way down.
C Mark Jankowski – two years, $1.3M per
He put together a respectable rookie campaign scoring 17 goals in 72 games. Four of them came in game No. 72, though. He was really streaky and has a long way to go before the Flames commit much to him in either term of dollars. I think a short-term deal in the ~$1.5 million range makes sense.
W Kris Versteeg – one year, $1.17M
Versteeg has tallied 45 points in 93 games over the last two seasons. He's still a decent offensive contributor if healthy. The problem is that's a big if. He's missed 71 games in two years and staying healthy has always been an issue for him. I doubt that changes as he works his way further into his 30s. If he lands a contract, the one projected seems reasonable. I don't think it will be with Calgary, though.
W Garnet Hathaway – two years, $1.05M per
He doesn't bring much offense to the table but he's an energetic guy who handled himself adequately while appearing in 59 games last season. I think that's enough to get him a million annually on a short-term deal.
C Matt Stajan – one year, $1.04M
Stajan was a loyal soldier to the Flames for a lot of years. Father Time has caught up to him, though. He doesn't bring much offense to the table and his defensive game has deteriorated. Again, the contract seems in the right ballpark but I doubt it comes from Calgary.
W Chris Stewart – one year, $1.03M
He tries hard but he's just not effective. He's often out of position defensively, he's not the fleetest of foot, and he hasn't been a legitimate offensive contributor in a handful of years. Bless the guy and his love of Red Bull, which I share, but he's not an effective hockey player. I think he may get one more shot on that kind of contract elsewhere.
C Nick Shore – two years, $1M per
Can this deal happen? I really like this deal. Shore is what I'd call a modern-day bottom-6er. He's smart, he can drive possession, he can kill penalties, he'll chip in offensively on occasion, and at 25 he is still young. The Flames need more Nick Shores on their 4th line.
D Brett Kulak – one year, $820K
I think Kulak will be a tad more expensive but, again, Cane's projections don't seem far off here. Kulak is pretty much the perfect depth defender. He's solid on the 3rd pairing. If he *has to* move up for a couple games, he can do so without getting caved. And he's not a guy you mind sitting if there are more talented defenders (say, Rasmus Andersson) at the coaching staff's disposal.
W Marek Hrivik – one year, $704K
The poor guy had a tough go at it last season. He was excellent for Stockton in ~30 games. When he was finally getting a look at the NHL level, he suffered an injury. If he wants to stick around and give it another shot, that's the kind of contract he's looking at. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes overseas.
W Tanner Glass – one year, $703K
I think the days of rostering players like Glass are reaching their end. He doesn't really bring anything to the team besides the occasional big hit that often takes himself out of position and out of the play. As alluded to with Hrivik, he'll have to sign a cheap, one-year deal if he wants to pursue another NHL job.
D Matt Bartkowski – one year, $678K
Bill Peters said he likes his defense to activate and be comfortable making plays. That's not Matt Bartkowski. He handles the puck like a grenade and is not a good player regardless of which statistics you believe in. I imagine he'll get this kind of deal to add organizational depth to a team.
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