Quote:
Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
A team always has to manage assets properly. Even if you believe that the Flames are on the cusp of the playoffs and about to start contending, and that these 3rd round picks are 2-3 years away at minimum, they will be assets that can help replenish the pipeline for down the road.
Chicago has been by far the best team in the NHL at recycling players and converting them into assets to help manage their cap.
There should be at least 5 fresh faces next season - including a decent RW'er, a top 4 D, a bottom-pairing D to at least replace Engelland, and at least one more goalie. That's 4 spots off the bat, with guys on the fringes like Chiasson probably not likely to be re-signed.
I would sell at this point. Keep everyone that has a contract for next season (with the exception of Bouma and Stajan - that is just too much money on the 4th line), but at least you explore trading the rest. It may not be worth it to move certain guys, but you at least should be exploring what you can get for them now to help you out tomorrow, especially if they aren't helping out much now and can't be counted on for helping out tomorrow either.
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I agree 100%
Plus sometimes a locker room is better when there's fresh faces. Sometimes different personalities jive and make a cohesive team