Flames + UFA=???

With the UFA season ready to open tomorrow, I thought I would write about my final opinion on what the Flames should do tomorrow.

The Flames do still have some holes but with the four re-signings the other day and Sutter expressing that young kids on the team will get their chance to contribute, there might not be as many holes as some people think. I think the Flames will be looking for one top-6 forward, some forward/blueline depth and if possible a top-4 defensemen.

With the slim market of impact players there really isn't too many players that stand out. I feel there are only three players that are worth going after at all:

Darcy Tucker- I think he would be great alongside Lombo and Cammalleri. He is rugged, tough and can score some goals. He is a Alberta guy and he puts it all on the line for whichever team he is playing for. Saying this he has to come for the right price, maybe a 2 year(max) at 2 million a season. I haven't heard much on the market for this guy so I dont know what kind of numbers teams will throw at him but if teams are desperate those numbers will be way higher.

Jason Williams- He could be a good set-up guy to play alongside Iggy and Langkow. He isn't very big and is a little injury prone but has shown that he can put up good numbers when healthy. I think he is likely to come at a fair price especially since he is only 27 years old.

Brad Stuart- It is very unlikely that he would sign here in Calgary but I liked what I saw from him when he was here last year. He played very well during Detroit's run and he is Detroit's top priority to re-sign. I just like the fit for him and the Flames and just had to mention him.

So whether the Flames sign any of these guys or do anything is to be seen but better days could be ahead for the Flames with some big contracts(Aucoin) coming off the books next season and a much brighter UFA market with the likes of Gaborik, Franzen, Zetterberg, Havlat, Beauchemin, and Gionta as possible UFA's next summer, it might be a better idea for the Flames to keep some cash. I really think that Giordano could be a dark-horse to step-up in a top 4 roll, it is something to look for next season.

Finally I have to mention that with the rumors of defensemen possibly on the market and the market willing to take a chance, maybe the Flames could ship Aucoin to someone and receive some one in return that is younger and worth their contract.