Biggest reason the Flames ignored free agency today: they don’t have any space left, and want to save contracts for young prospects. Conroy said he has to leave a handful of his 50 contract spots open for Carels, Reschny, Potter and Wyttenbach, who all have designs on capping their college seasons by joining the Flames for the final few games of the upcoming season.
Carels said he wants one year at UND and isn’t tempted to try making the Flames this year, saying he wants to be patient to ensure he has a 15 year career.
The Flames have 25 players they are now developing, and by saying goodbye to 15 players over the least 48 hours the organizational flip is now in full swing.
They are still in search of help up the middle, but bringing in a veteran today would only take up a spot for a youngster.
Flames proving with their actions they are fully committed to the re-build.