Mike Cammalleri Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation Surrounding Star Wing

Updates from Tuesday, July 1

Mark Spector of Sportsnet has the latest on Cammalleri:

Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger reports that a deal is done for the talented winger:

Original Text

The Calgary Flames are still working to retain one of their assistant captains. TSN's Bob McKenzie reported that the team and Mike Cammalleri remain at an impasse over the terms to a potential new deal:

Mark Spector of Sportsnet.ca also reported that term remains the sticking point. With the Flames clearly in  rebuilding mode, Cammalleri wants to be protected:

Some fans wondered if Calgary's selection of Sam Bennett paved the way for Cammalleri's departure. Spector argues the opposite:

Bennett is the team's future up front, but he's not going to be helping the team in the immediate future. Cammalleri can help the franchise maintain a competitive product while it goes about the task of picking up the pieces and build a contender once again.

After the departure of Jarome Iginla, the 32-year-old has become an even more indispensable player for the Flames. As Spector tweeted out, they don't have too many other guys who can pour in 20-plus goals and also contribute with double digits in assists.

As one of the best left wings on the market, Cammalleri will have plenty of teams interested in his services, especially if he's still on the market when Thomas Vanek finds a home. That will only drive demand higher.

Cammalleri can be a streaky scorer, but compared to the other unrestricted free agents, his goal-scoring record speaks for itself. And with his age, he has more than a few good seasons left in the tank.

He's clearly in line for a nice payday. The only question is whether he'll have to leave Calgary to get it.