Calgary Flames: Time to Rise or Burn Out?

Everything seemingly has changed in the NHL since the lockout of 2004.

That is, everything except the Calgary Flames.

In a league that has opened the door to the the highly skilled player, the Flames have been stuck in their defensive grinding mold that saw them make a brilliant run to the finals in 2003-04 based on determination and the will to win.

Maybe though, just maybe, it's time to replace a 'lil will with skill?

The defence is solid, but with $23 million invested in their big six, $7 million to Jarome Iginla, $5.3 million to Alex Tanguay and $6.5 to Mikka Kiprusoff, it doesn't leave them much breathing room to sign some intangibles.

Like much needed second-line scoring.

With Daymond Langkow a UFA and coming off yet another very solid season with 30 goals and 35 assists in 80 games, it may be very unlikely the team can sign him and remain competitive under the cap.

Unless the team unloads a couple defencemen, it is unlikely they will make a splash on the free agent market.

There are, however, some players that could be had for relatively cheap, and maybe make the Flames contenders once again.

The CHL player of the year, Justin Azevedo is a 20 year-old undrafted player that would probably be ready to jump in next season. Azevedo is a crafty player who plays bigger than his 5'8" 180 pound frame, and reminds me a little of Theoren Fleury, who we all know can do no wrong in Calgary.

Jason Williams is a savy 26 year-old right winger who has yet to fully live up to his potential. He didn't put up great numbers in an injury-riddled season with 13 goals and 23 assists in 43 games for the Blackhawks, but could be a bargain on the free agent market and could help the power play.

Stu Barnes was used sparingly this season, and yes, he is 37. Although I am generally not a fan of bringing in an older player in the new NHL (in fact I think it has been a downfall of the Flames over the past three seasons), but if nothing else, he could bring some depth to the team at center, and maybe have a resurgence similar to Jeremy Roenick's last season with the Sharks. Barnes scored 12 goals and 11 assists this season for the Stars; he could be capable of 20 with some power play time.

If the Flames can re-sign Langkow, and allow one or two of their top prospects, namely Mikael Backlund and Andrei Taratukhin, to play some quality minutes next season, they may have a shot at a decent season.

If not, well it's another 8th place finish in the west, and a first round exit in the playoffs for the big red machine...maybe that's just the way it's supposed to work?