This is Free Agent Targets, where we look at players the Flames could target when free agency opens on July 1, 2025. Last time, we looked at one of the best players available in free agency, Sam Bennett.

With Daniel Vladař potentially leaving in free agency, the Flames will either need to turn to Devin Cooley to back up or sign a new backup in free agency. If the Flames wish to contend for a post-season spot and have Wolf split the crease, Alex Lyon may be an ideal target.

Alex Lyon’s stats

The Florida Panthers are on the brink of a dynasty, and Alex Lyon is one of many reasons for that. After winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2021-22, the Panthers were three points out of the post-season on Mar. 28, 2023. Lyon filled in for Sergei Bobrovsky starting on Mar. 29, going on a six-game winning streak where he had a .956 save percentage. The Panthers lost in overtime on Apr. 10, and their season came down to the final season, just squeaking into the playoffs.

As they say, the rest was history as the Panthers overcame a 3-1 series deficit and made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final after Sergei Bobrovsky started getting starts. They’ve beaten the Edmonton Oilers in the past two Stanley Cup Finals.

Lyon didn’t return to the Panthers for the 2023-24 season, instead signing a two-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings primarily used Ville Husso and James Reimer for the first 16 games, before Lyon made his season debut on Nov. 17, 2023. In his first 17 games, Lyon had a .916 save percentage and a 17-8-2 record before his play dipped toward the end of the season, and the Wings missed the post-season thanks to the Washington Capitals having the tiebreaker.

Last season, Lyon finished the season with an .896 save percentage and 2.81 goals against average. Former Flame Cam Talbot played in the majority of games, posting a .901 save percentage and 2.91 goals against average in 47 games.

Alex Lyon’s contract outlook

According to AFPAnalytics, Lyon is expected to earn a two-year deal worth a hair under $1.8 million. For context, Vladař signed a two-year, $4.4 million deal worth a cap hit of $2.2 million.

The Flames have more than enough cap room to get this kind of deal done, as they have just over $26 million remaining for the 2025-26 season. Morgan Frost, Connor Zary, and Kevin Bahl are restricted free agents who need to be signed, but it shouldn’t be a problem.

Is Alex Lyon a fit for the Flames

If two of the last three seasons have proven anything, Lyon is a netminder who gets hot on teams looking to make a Wild Card spot. That said, he’s best suited to a backup role, which is perfect as that’s what the Flames need.

He would be on a cheap contract, he’s a good goalie, and a reliable backup netminder. There’s certainly a fit for both he and the Flames.

Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for FlamesNation, Oilersnation, and Blue Jays Nation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.

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Alex Lyon’s stats

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