I don't want scorched earth myself, but Bouwmeester is a guy you definitely trade now. The assets back would be way too tempting not to.
I have no idea how deep the cuts will go, but really believe that a few players like Bouwmeester, Cammalleri (if not this year, then next) and Tanguay would greatly accelerate the rebuild. Keeping guys like Glencross, Hudler and Gio would help to shelter prospects somewhat, and provide a bit of leadership.
Trading Bouwmeester this season is almost a 'must' in my mind, especially with how many teams require defencemen, and how few sellers there currently are at the moment. Just get the most value from every trade possible without targeting specific holes, and you can make a good 'hockey trade' or two in the off-season to try and fill in the gaps as you go along.
I just hope the Flames don't make the mistake of burning it too far down, or make the mistake of making trades with the aim of getting the 'most NHL ready' players. "Accelerated Rebuilds" aren't the way to go I think as you don't usually see teams handing over high-calibre NHL ready prospects for existing players. Focus on high-upside players regardless of position for all exiting players if possible, try to squeeze out more draft picks while doing so, and make some good old fashioned hockey trades to balance out the rosters both for the AHL and the NHL, so we don't have too many prospects playing out of position and not developing well enough.
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