Calgary Flames forwards Ryan Lomberg and Justin Kirkland are reportedly heading to free agency on July 1st, as they are not expected to be re-signed.
Defenseman John Carlson is anticipated to secure a new contract worth over $10 million per season on a two-year deal from an as-yet-unnamed team.
The trade value of Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram is being discussed, with speculation about whether the team will opt to keep him for another season, similar to their approach with Alex Tuch, rather than trading him as a rental.
English Translation:
NHL Rumors: Calgary Flames, John Carlson, and Bowen Byram
Flames’ Ryan Lomberg and Justin Kirkland Likely Heading to Free Agency
Pat Steinberg reports that Calgary Flames pending unrestricted free agent forward Ryan Lomberg is expected to reach free agency on July 1st. Center Justin Kirkland is also projected to become an unrestricted free agent.
$10 Million-Plus for John Carlson?
Pierre LeBrun suggests that pending UFA John Carlson is poised to receive a contract worth $10 million or more per season for a two-year term from a new team.
What Kind of Trade Value Will Bowen Byram Have? Could the Sabres Keep Him Like They Did with Alex Tuch?
WGR 550’s Paul Hamilton discussed the potential trade value of Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram and the possibility of the team trading him this offseason. He also raised the question of whether the Sabres might decide to retain him for another year, mirroring their strategy with Alex Tuch last season.
Hamilton explained that if Byram were to be traded before signing, his trade value would be limited, as other teams would essentially be acquiring him as a rental for a single season, similar to a trade deadline acquisition. This often involves trading future assets for a temporary player.
He drew a parallel to Alex Tuch, suggesting that Tuch might have become a rental for another team if he had been traded. Hamilton agreed with the Sabres’ decision to keep Tuch, believing his presence was more valuable for their playoff push and postseason run than any future assets they might have received in a trade.
Hamilton concluded that a similar scenario could unfold with Byram, where the Sabres choose to keep him for the current season and let future decisions play out, potentially making him a rental for Buffalo rather than being traded away as a rental to another club.
