Breaking: NHL insider links UFA Alzner to a Canadian team

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman had some interesting comments for Calgary Flames fans today when he went live on air with the city’s Sportsnet 960 radio station. When discussing the future of Washington Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner, Friedman didn’t rule out the possibility of him joining the Flames this offseason.

When asked if he felt Alzner would fit on the team’s blue line, Friedman replied, “I think he would, but the thing is are you going to pay him like he’s a No. 4 guy. How many guys who are free agents – and if you look at the D this year, Alzner would be near the top of the list – how many of those guys get paid like they’re a No. 4 guy? That’s the thing.”

There’s little doubt that if Alzner were to be a member of the Flames for next season then he’d slot in behind Mark Giordano, Dougie Hamilton and TJ Brodie on the team’s depth chart. But the question of whether or not he’d be a fit for the Flames really comes down to dollars and cents. Would Alzner accept such a limited role and would he be leaving money on the table by signing with the Flames? 

With such a shallow pool of free agents on the market this offseason, it’s probably more likely that he signs a big dollar, big term contract with a team that lacks Calgary’s defensive depth. But, hey…stranger things have happened!