If I read your numbers right you would rather spend 9 million a year on three guys that are probably third and 4th line guys. Maybe 2nd line if the stars align? That as opposed to spending 6 mil on 1 guy that will definitely be 1st line on this team, 2nd at the worst.

I'm sorry but I fail to see the logic in that.

This team doesn't need bottom 6 guys. If Colborne will resign for 2.5 then run a third line of Backlund, Frolik, and Colborne. They were effective last season and can be defensively responsible. 4th Line will be Stajan, Ferland and decide between Bollig, Bouma, or Chiasson.

I hope Tkachuk does make this team. Run a second line of him, Bennett, and whoever is best out of Shinkaruk or Poirier. I lean to Shinkaruk.

Fist line is Johnny, Mony, and hopefully a guy like Okposo. Add in that Okposo is a right shot that this team is lacking.

I know it probably isn't going to happen as there has been nothing said about these guys linked to the flames. But it does make sense
- dal_johnson

Seems to come down to whether we can agree on if said players can play higher in the lineup than the 3rd-4th line.

One of the three spots would be Colborne's 3 mill. It's size and depth in terms of effective size.

On Okposo: Why do you think Isles fans are 100% on board with letting Okposo walk? Can't say I like the idea of giving him money/term. They seem to have zero debate in the matter.

Mony and Johnny had more points last year, with a revolving door of garbage, than they had the year before with hudler. It doesn't matter who plays there, mony and Johnny will put up points. Throw somebody like Poirier, or klimchuk up there and inflate their value for a future trade.

Elliott Freidman thinks chia offered Lucic 7yrs @42mil, which is an absurd amount. If that's what he gets, okposo will want similar. Too much for too long for either guy in my opinion.

A question for those who feel Tkachuk won't make the team right away. Who exactly should play left of Bennett before him?

Johnny - Mony -?
Tkachuk - Bennett -?
Ferland - Backlund - Frolik
Bouma - Stajan - Chiasson
Bollig

If colborne signs put him beside backs, and move frolik up.
- dr_soiledpants

It's not about who is better right now than Tkachuk, it's about ensuring Tkachuk develops properly and becomes the maximum he can be as a player. If putting him on the team immediately only because right now is the perceived best option then you may be doing him and the club a disservice. Do that and you risk becoming by the Oilers and stunting a players growth.

Than he should buy a place in bc ...there's mountains there too and less flat nothingness
- Redmile247

AB mountains are way better then bc mountains.

do you like sloppy wet snow. or fluffy white snow

Seems to come down to whether we can agree on if said players can play higher in the lineup than the 3rd-4th line.

One of the three spots would be Colborne's 3 mill. It's size and depth in terms of effective size.

On Okposo: Why do you think Isles fans are 100% on board with letting Okposo walk? Can't say I like the idea of giving him money/term. They seem to have zero debate in the matter.
- fry

Only so much cap space and they see more importance in locking up Frans Nielsen as their second line center. Almost every time Center will always trump winger in priorities. It would be the priority for the Flames too, but they don't have a hole at center any more.

The Isles also need to resign Ryan Strome. And they have Dal Colle, Ho Sang, and Barzal close if not ready to step into forward roles next season. So they have significant and quality forward prospects to replace Okposo.

For the Islanders, and their fans it comes down to priorities and being knowledgable of what they have available when Okposo leaves. They also have to consider Tavares contract in a couple years. So they need to be smart about their money now so they don't handicap themselves at that time.

According to Bob Mckenzie, Troy Brouwer is coming to Calgary. I think he will be an upgrade on big Joe and i expect a deal around 4 years at 4 mil.

It's not about who is better right now than Tkachuk, it's about ensuring Tkachuk develops properly and becomes the maximum he can be as a player. If putting him on the team immediately only because right now is the perceived best option then you may be doing him and the club a disservice. Do that and you risk becoming by the Oilers and stunting a players growth.
- TandA4Flames

If he's the best player for the job, he should play. I don't really buy the argument that it could stunt his growth. The guys in Edmonton are good players. Any holes in their game have more to do with poor coaching than anything.

Don't get me wrong though. If a team has the depth, then yes, keep him in the A for a year or two, but the Flames don't have that depth.

All these projected lineups, and no Janko. Shame.
- FLflames34

Stajan needs to go first unfortunately.

I would have loved to see perron in Calgary. Great signing by the blues. He wasn't overly good in Pittsburgh but was awesome in Anaheim.

Brouwer to flames. 4 year 4.5 per. I like it.