This offseason the Calgary Flames will have some decisions to make. Can they re-sign both Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau? Gaudreau’s name has already been in the NHL trade rumor mill with the Philadelphia Flyers interested in signing the pending UFA.
Rory Boylen of Sportsnet reports the Flames might have to choose between Tkachuk or Gaudreau if they can’t fit both into the Flames salary cap.
Boylen projects the Flames will offer $8.5 million/year to Gaudreau on a long-term deal (Philly is rumored to offer Gaudreau a $10 million/year deal this offseason) and a $9.5 million deal to Tkachuk.
Boylen states there is one possible option that would give the team more room to fill out the depths of the roster and keep the core together.
Buy out Gaudreau’s good buddy and long-time former linemate Sean Monahan. Monahan has struggled the past two years, the team has tried to trade him with no takers.
If the Flames decide to buy out Monahan, making $6.375 million, it would save them an additional $4 million in cap space next year.
It will be interesting to see what the Flames will do this offseason. Like many teams before them, the NHL salary cap will likely force the Flames to make some tough decisions.
