The Calgary Flames have made several strategic moves as the NHL free agency period opens. General Manager Craig Conroy has indicated that the team will not be making any major splashes despite having substantial cap space. The Flames have signed forward Anthony Mantha to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million. Mantha, a 29-year-old power forward, is a three-time 23-goal scorer and has a connection with Jonathan Huberdeau, which influenced his decision to join the team. Mantha is also familiar with the area, having gotten married in Banff. Additionally, the Flames have signed defenceman Jake Bean and third-string goalie Devin Cooley. Conroy mentioned that the team had considered acquiring a centre but found the price tags and terms too high. Instead, they will evaluate internal options like Pospisil, Zary, and Sharangovich for the centre position. Conroy also noted that the possibility of signing Oliver Kylington as a UFA has diminished due to term disagreements. Mantha revealed that two other teams had shown serious interest in him.
Conroy says the Mantha signing was done with an eye on re-igniting Huberdeau. The Flames tried acquiring a centre but the price tags and terms exceeded what the team wanted to spend. So the team will see if Pospisil, Zary and Sharangovich can be everyday centres.
Craig Conroy on the possibility of signing Oliver Kylington as a UFA: “The door has probably closed a little bit on that.” The player was looking for more term than the Flames were comfortable with.
Just briefly chatted with new Flame Anthony Mantha…funny enough, he got married in Banff, so he's a bit familiar with the area. Said he texted with Jonathan Huberdeau last night, and 10 helped sell him on chance here. Mantha said 2 other teams showed serious interest.
MANTHA TO CALGARY 🔥 Anthony Mantha has signed a one-year deal with the @NHLFlames! #NHLFreeAgency https://t.co/SFDblIgG0T
WELCOME TO CALGARY! The #Flames have signed forward Anthony Mantha to a one-year contract!
Updating this with a mistake fixed. Reported signings for #Flames in first half-hour of free agency ... - Power forward Anthony Mantha - Defenceman Jake Bean, a Calgary kid with untapped potential - Third-string goalie Devin Cooley
Reported signings for #Flames in first half-hour of free agency ... - Power forward Anthony Mantha - Defenceman Jake Bean, a Calgary kid with untapped potential - Third-string goalie Logan Cooley
Flames ink Anthony Mantha to a one year deal @ $3.5 million. The 29-year-old is a three-time 23-goal scorer who is 6-foot-5, 235 pound and is a lefty who likes to play the off wing. I'm betting the Quebec native has a relationship with Huberdeau, making him a fave to play…
Anthony Mantha signs a one-year deal with #flames worth $3.5M.
Sources say #Flames are closing in on forward Anthony Mantha, sounds like a 1-year deal that will end up in the $3.5 million range. @DailyFaceoff.
Anthony Mantha to Calgary, 1 x $3.5M
Despite being armed with more cap space than all but four other teams, Craig Conroy insists he and the Flames won’t be swinging for any fences when free agency opens Monday. (@EricFrancis) https://t.co/g2uVul6Iex
#Flames general manager Craig Conroy says the team is set for free agency, which opens Monday. Pretty clear the team will be adding a third goalie with professional experience. A few interesting targets: Devin Cooley, Eric Comrie, Kevin Lankinen.