I thought the brain trust was recently telling season ticket holders they like the makeup of the team and could see them challenging for a playoff spot? How does trading away your best offensive threat and one of your top defensemen jive with that claim? I just don't see this being realistic.
Flames are short on talent up front. They are even shorter on talent on the back end, with no one being ready to contribute, if you listen to the guys running the club. The way you go full Oiler is to start moving veterans that fill those positions without having players ready to take over. You never go full Oiler. The only way Hudler gets dealt is if the club has another deal lined up for a better veteran, someone with size. The only way they deal Wideman is if they have another deal in place for a solid veteran on the blueline that provides similar skill and depth. I don't see either of those happening unless the Flames are going all in on the McDavid turtle race.
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