Flames Offseason Analysis: Calgary's Cap Woes

The Flames definitely didn't have a great season like everyone expected. The Flames had another roller coaster season where consistency couldn't be found and was ultimately their downfall.

Another season, another first round exit. Where did the Flames go wrong, and what to expect next?

The Flames stumbled into the playoffs only after stringing together back-to-back wins twice since March 1st. Unable to secure a division title that they were battling for most of the season, the Flames spiraled into seventh place.

A battle against Joe Thornton and the Sharks ensued. Many questions were floating around as to whether the Flames would be able to muster anything against a cup favourite like the Sharks. In the Sharks boat, many were wondering if the Sharks would be able to put together a good cup run this season.

As anyone who followed the series would know, the Flames ran into penalty problems often. This includes the six straight penalties in the 2nd period of game 2, during which the Sharks were only able to pot one goal with a handful of seconds left in the final penalty.

The Flames were unable to come back in that game. If the Flames were able to hold on, they would have only been down by one goal and would have had gargantuan momentum after killing off almost half the period straight with penalties. Couple that with the amazing comeback in game 3 and you're looking at a 3-0 series lead instead of a 2-1.

What's done is done and back to the topic at hand. The offseason for the Flames wont be an easy one, by anyone's imagination. With a plethora of players to re-sign including Langkow, Conroy, Huselius, Yelle, Joseph and Vandermeer and little cap room, the Flames with have many questions to fill.

The seemingly undying rumour is the Tanguay to Montreal deal that has been around for a couple of years. Rumoured to be Tanguay for Kovalev obviously wont materialize after Kovalev's comeback season.

With Tanguay's inability to produce like he did in Colorado, his 5.75 million dollar contract comes into play. With little cap room, shipping out Tanguay is a possibility—although it is never easy to just replace your 58 points.

In my mind the odd men odd out would be Yelle and Conroy. With Huselius and Langkow being their number two and three point scorers and Lambardi's potential, Yelle and Conroy could be expendable.

Lombardi has shown great defensive skills over the last couple of seasons and if he is able to start putting up the offensive numbers, I believe he can he could easily secure the number two centremen position like he has for parts of the season.

I would not like to see Yelle go as his shot blocking and veteran leadership are key on this team, but the price will probably be higher for him on the market.

Conroy never did put up the same numbers he did with Iginla back in '03-'04 and probably never will. A great locker room guy and good friends with Iginla, but sometimes being friends just doesn't cut it.

Jim Vandermeer, brought in at the trade deadline, fit perfectly into the lineup. He can hit, fight, shoot and keep his own in the defensive end. Would hope to see him back with the Flames next season.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?