Gadzig not my first choice, hell, not one of my first 10, but now that Englland is a VGN, the team needs someone who might deter others from taking liberties with our young skilled players.

The league is definitely shifting to a speed and skill game. The role of "enforcer" has all but been phased out ,but a team still needs to fill a 23 man roster too and that requires some 600-700k guys. Sure, the Flames have almost $10M in cap space, but after they sign Bennett $2.5 * 2 years, Ferland $2.25 * 3 years, and Lazar $1.25 * 2 years, there will only be 20/23 players on the Calgary roster and a little less than $4M in cap space. Kulac still needs to be signed and will probably take $1M - $1.5M. And Jankowski, Foo, or whomever else is used will be $925K each. That about does it for the cap space.

Gadzig may end up being the 23rd Guy on the roster just to help keep the cap in line. Wouldn't hurt to have around just for insurance when playing a team that has Lucic, Maroon, Kassian, Gryba, Nurse, and the like.
- InSutterWeTrust

I've decided...Vegas golden Knights just doesn't roll off the tongue. So based on this abbreviation I'm now calling them the Vegans.

I've decided...Vegas golden Knights just doesn't roll off the tongue. So based on this abbreviation I'm now calling them the Vegans.
- Iggysbff

Vegans (TM)

Suck it iggy. That's mine now.

Jokinen seems like another version of Hudler to me. He'd be okay, but I think Jagr would bring more to the table (leadership and offense). Also, hasn't Jagr turned into a really good defensive forward the last few seasons? Could be the perfect compliment to Versteeg & Bennett.

I've decided...Vegas golden Knights just doesn't roll off the tongue. So based on this abbreviation I'm now calling them the Vegans.
- Iggysbff

VegAs Golden knightS

Todd Cordell: Jokinen an ideal top-9 target for Flames + thoughts on the Gazdic signing
- ToddCordellCGY

While I agree that Jokinen would be more defensively responsible, but between the 3M line, usually Stajan's line, and who the top 5 defenders look on this team, I'm not so worried about a more defensively responsible forward. The one thing they haven't addressed yet is bringing more offence to the table.

I get the attraction to Jagr. Bluntly he is Jaromir Jagr. But he is about to turn 46 and he has to take a step back eventually. I wouldn't want the Flames to sign him and this be that step back year.

Of the better (of what's left in UFA's) more offensively skilled forwards I keep coming back to Vanek. He's younger that most of them, still pretty much a 20 goal scorer, and had more points than Jagr last season in less games. He's a big bodied (who could use his size more), right shot that plays both wings. For what's available it is almost a perfect match to go with Bennett and Versteeg and if somebody got hurt I'd have no problem playing him on a higher line. He may even slot in very well on the top line too. Last year he signed for 2.6mil give him about the same, or maybe a bit less with incentive bonuses added in. That may help his sometimes motivation issues.

All their moves indicate that they are wanting take a run at it, so fill this last area and go from there.

I doubt they end up signing anyone unless they really don't want Ferland on the top line. I'm still on the fence on Ferland, but he did a pretty good job in the playoffs showing why he shouldn't be there.

The only veteran that's on Bennett's wing next year will be Brouwer. They've invested too much in him to not give him at least one more major shot to succeed. There's zero chance he's not given every opportunity next year to either be on the wing with Johnny and Mony or with Bennett.