Ian White Signs With Calgary Flames, but Are Cap Problems Looming?

The Calgary Flames are reporting that Ian White has signed a one-year contract that will see the former Toronto Maple Leaf make close to $3 million.

Originally taken in the sixth round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, White spent portions of five seasons with the Maple Leafs before being dealt to the Calgary Flames on January 31, 2010 as part of the deal that sent Dion Phaneuf to Toronto.

White, 26, scored four goals and registered 12 points through 27 games with the Flames last season. Add that to his nine goals and 26 points with the Leafs last season, and White emerged with a career high 13 goals and 38 points through 83 games in 2009-10.

White’s 38 points was 12 points better than his previous career high of 26 points, something he accomplished twice (2006, 2008) as a member of the Leafs.

According to capgeek.com, the addition of White’s contract now puts the Flames in the unenviable position of being $2,349,995 over the $59.4 million salary cap.

As such, the Flames will have to trim some fat off their roster, which may lead them to trade the likes of defensemen Cory Sarich ($3.6 million) or Steve Staios ($2.7 million) or a combination of players for prospects or draft choices.

While most agree that White’s contract is very much in line with what he brings to the Flames, one wonders if the signing was the most intelligent thing for the Flames to do—especially in light of the team now being over the cap.

The Flames have limited flexibility when it comes to trades, as 10 players have some sort of no-movement/no-trade clauses, including seven forwards (Jarome Iginla, Daymond Langkow, Matt Stajan, Rene Bourque, Olli Jokinen, Alex Tanguay), two defensemen (Jay Bouwmeester, Robin Regehr) and, of course, goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff.

How the Flames will get under the cap is anyone’s guess.

One thing is for sure: while I can’t really disagree with the White signing, it sure as heck complicates things going forward for the Flames—something this team doesn’t need.

Until next time,

Peace!