4 former Flames players who could return to Calgary in free agency
The Calgary Flames are set to enter free agency with some holes to fill and have an abundance of cap space to do so.
The Flames’ primary goal heading into the offseason is to address their depth at center. Ideally, they’d like to find a number-one centreman who fits into their current timeline age-wise, though doing so is no easy feat.
The Flames could also use some more scoring in their lineup, and may have a hole or two to fill on the blueline. Last, but not least, they may also be scouring the free-agent market for a goaltender with Dan Vladar’s future uncertain.
While it remains to be seen who they will target to address some of their needs, there are a number of former Flames the organization is familiar with who are set to hit the free-agent market. Here’s a look at four they could consider reuniting with.
Sam Bennett
Should he hit the free-agent market this offseason, Sam Bennett is going to have interest from a ton of teams throughout the league. While he may not be the most talented player available, there aren’t many guys in the NHL you would want on your roster more when the playoffs begin.
The Flames are rumoured to have interest in reuniting with Bennett should he become available. That said, they’d need to really open up their pockets to land him, as he leads the playoffs with 14 goals and is set to get a huge payday.
Andrew Mangiapane
It was over 11 months ago that the Flames elected to trade Andrew Mangiapane to the Washington Capitals in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick. The 29-year-old struggled to find his offensive touch, which he displayed in 2021-22, when he put up a career-high 35 goals.
Mangiapane wasn’t overly productive in his lone season with the Capitals, but proved to be a versatile option, as he played up and down the lineup on regular occasions. He is in for a serious pay cut from his last season’s $5.8 million cap hit, which could entice the Flames to bring him back for some depth scoring.
David Rittich
Could Big Save Dave be making his way back to Calgary? The Flames could wind up being in the hunt for a backup goalie, and don’t need to find an expensive one, as Dustin Wolf has proven capable of handling the bulk of starts.
Rittich has spent the last two seasons with the LA Kings. His numbers were rather disappointing this past season, but he proved what he’s capable of when he’s at his best in 2023-24, putting together a 2.15 GAA along with a .921 SV% in 24 appearances.
Oliver Kylington
Fans may not like this suggestion, as many in Calgary weren’t happy that Oliver Kylington opted for free agency last offseason rather than re-signing with the Flames. That’s a move the 28-year-old almost surely regrets, as he struggled to find a role with both the Colorado Avalanche and Anaheim Ducks.
What could entice Flames management to give Kylington another shot is the fact that they need a left-handed defenceman. They are very familiar with his game, and he wouldn’t cost much more than a league minimum contract to bring in.