Pretty much every discussion surrounding the 2016-17 Calgary Flames involves one of two phrases: "Don't worry, they'll be a lot better this season..." and "Oh crap, look at their salary cap situation, they're doomed!"
A great deal of the consternation regarding next season revolves around the impending big, big raises for Mark Giordano, Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau, along with the gigantic cap hits for a trio of depth players in Dennis Wideman, Ladislav Smid and Mason Raymond.
Of course, there are a few ways out from under those bad contracts. Three of them, all-told.
OPTIONS, AT A GLANCE
| Player | Do Nothing | Bury in AHL | Retain Salary | Buy Out |
| Dennis Wideman | $5. |