Calgary Flames qualify six pending restricted free agents
The Flames let the deadline pass on minor-league goaltenders Waltteri Ignatjew and Connor Murphy, meaning they will now look for work elsewhere. Ignatjew, the backup for the AHL's Wranglers this past winter, is planning to return to Sweden.
There were really no surprises in Monday's announcement from the Saddledome.
Frost and Zary are regulars in the Flames' lineup and on the power-play unit, so it's a no-brainer to keep both around. (After Kevin Bahl inked a six-year contract over the weekend, an extension for the 23-year-old Zary should now be Craig Conroy's top priority.)
Kerins was a pleasant surprise this past season, leading the Wranglers with 61 points and also notching four assists in five games during his first career call-up.
Morton, who was tapped for his NHL debut in Game 82 and made it extra special by scoring a goal that night, should compete for the Flames' fourth-line centre job this fall.
Kuznetsov is knocking on the door as a stay-at-home defenceman, while Poirier has plenty of offensive skill but must continue to hone his work in his own zone. Both Kuznetsov and Poirier are left-shots, and there is currently an opening on that side of Calgary's blue-line.
Frost and Morton are both eligible for arbitration.
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