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 | Flames rookie GM Brad Treliving has been active so far this summer, and with rumors swirling the Flames, look for more headlines to start coming out of the Stampede City. | | Calgary - July 1, 2014 - With less than 2 hours before the free agent frenzy kicks off, 30 National Hockey League general managers are sitting on the edge of their seats with anticipation and their cheque books wide open in hopes of landing their much desired free agents.
Flames rookie GM Brad Treliving has been active so far this summer, and with rumors swirling the Flames, look for more headlines to start coming out of the Stampede City.
Let’s take a look at some of the news Treliving and the Flames have already made:
Drafting Sam Bennett – I wrote earlier this month suggesting Michael Dal Colle would be an ideal fit to saddle alongside freshman centre Sean Monahan. However, the Flames might have just struck gold when Sam Bennett fell into their laps at #4 overall Friday night at the NHL Entry Draft.
It is no surprise that Bennett is a Brian Burke style of player; the Kingston centre is rugged, skilled and mean as hell. Bennett arguably could be the best player coming out of the 2014 draft class. Obviously with each of these players being 18 and 19 years old, judging who the best pick will be from 2014 will most likely not play out for about 4 to 5 years. But the #4 overall pick has Flames fans salivating over the thoughts of a Monahan/Bennett one two punch down the middle for years to come.
Trading for Brandon Bollig – The addition of Bollig flew under the radar with the trade taking place right before the draft. While the trade is not a head turner, Bollig looks to be a solid addition to an already stubborn and tough flames team to play against. The former blackhawk winger stands 6’2 225lb and brings another element of toughness to the Flames bottom six forwards. It also doesn’t hurt that Bollig brings along a Stanley Cup ring.
Qualifying RFAS – The Flames qualified six restricted free agents Monday. Forwards Joe Colburn, Ben Hanowski, Lance Bouma, defensemen Chad Billins, Mark Cundari, and goaltender Joni Ortio.
Joe Colburn is no surprise, he excelled when placed on the wing during the 2013-2014 season. Joni Ortio gives the Flames a solid option in either the AHL or backing up Karri Ramo. Bouma had a great 2013-2014 season with the Flames, and looks to have found his role within the line up.
Free agent frenzy Rumors – The Flames have made it apparent that they are in the hunt for a top 4 defenseman.
-Tom Gilbert was one of the defensemen that the Flames courted during the free agency interview period. The former Edmonton Oiler rear guard would add a nice element alongside Mark Giordano, TJ Brodie and Dennis Wideman in the Flames top 4.
It is also rumored that the Flames were one of the teams that contract Christian Erhoff and his agent as soon as he was bought out by the Buffalo Sabres. For the Flames sake, I hope they stay far away from Erhoff. With Giordano and the emergence of Brodie on the back end, the Flames do not need to strap themselves down to Erhoff who will turn 32 next week.
It’s all but a lock that Michael Cammalleri will be leaving the Flames. The 32 year old veteran and Flames cannot meet on term. Cammalleri and his agent are well aware that they will have no problem collecting that extended term on the open market.
I don’t see the Flames being a big player during the Canada Day Free-agent- frenzy. You can rest assured that Mr. Treliving and his brass will have their fingers in all the conversations, but where this young Flames squad is now, it does not make sense to tie the roster down with any grossly inflated salaries.
Look for the rookie GM to add 1 or 2 players that will bring the elements this Flames team already has, size, speed, and extremely hard to play against.
Follow me on twitter @botterillben
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