[locsofblu]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Because Elliott's contract extension would kick in for a 2017-2018 season, contracts like Wideman and Smid which expire after 2016-2017 are irrelevant to the cap situation for an Elliott contract extension.

Smid is also very unlikely to retire if he is unable to play. If he retires he gives up the $4 million owed to him this season. If anything he ends up on LTIR for the whole year if it is decided he can't play.

The most likely reason as to why the Flames have no intentions about signing Elliott to a contract extension right now is they want to keep their options for goaltender open.

Possible reasons:
1. They aren't 100% completely sold on whether Elliott can/or is the solution in net long term. They want to see what he can do this season.
2. They think there might be a better goaltender available via trade or free agency at some point this season (e.g. Bishop).
3. They want to see where Gillies is in his progress after a write off season due to injury. Committing to goaltenders with term might block Gillies' (or another goaltending prospect's) ascension to the NHL and create another 3 headed monster down the line.
4. A combination of all of the above.

I agree with you100%