The window to talk to pending unrestricted free agents opened up this morning and the Calgary Flames don't appear to be wasting any time.
Sportsnet broadcaster Roger Millions has hinted that wingers Justin Williams and Matt Beleskey are among a group of free agents who can expect to be hearing from GM Brad Treliving.
UFA interview period begins today wonder if #Flames give Justin Williams a listen??
— Roger Millions (@RogMillions) June 25, 2015Also believe #Flames among those who will want to talk to Matt Beleskey . Why not?
— Roger Millions (@RogMillions) June 25, 2015Beleskey is a pretty good player but I wouldn't touch him with a 10-foot pole. He's scored more than 12 goals once - last season - and his career highs in goals and points are 22 and 32 respectively.
He recently turned down a four-year, $16 million offer from the Anaheim Ducks, which is a lot of money even if he duplicates that production.
The main problem is he's unlikely to do so. In five seasons prior to last he shot a hair over 8%. Last year he shot 15.2%. That's going to regress - likely significantly - next season.
The last thing the Flames need is to get in a bidding war for a player with an injury history who will struggle to match last season's output; especially when it wasn't all that great to begin with.
Over his career he has averaged .34 points per game (28 points per 82). That doesn't scream $4 million per season to me.
As for Williams I think he's a worthy target for Calgary. Their possession issues have been well documented and Williams is one of the best players in the NHL in that regard.
Not only is he good at generating shots but he's also very good at suppressing them.
Williams won't pile up points in bunches but he has reached the 40-point plateau (or produced at a 40+ point pace) six seasons in a row and his rate stats are very good, too.
His best offensive years are behind him but he's still a very good two-way forward who can play in the top-6.
He won't come cheap but term is more of an issue for me. If he's willing to sign a three or four-year deal I think the Flames would be smart to try and bring him on board.
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