4 likley outcomes for 2018-19
1)The Flames have a break out season like the Jets.
2)The Flames make the playoff and at minimum have a competitive first round series (think 2017-18 Avs where they gave Nashville a bit of scare.
3) the Flames sneak into the playoffs and are easily eliminated in the first round
4) Flames miss the playoffs
Next year .. no matter what the Flames do this year, there will be 3 29 year old D-men that will be starting their last year before they become UFA's.
If Brodie and Hamonic do anywhere as good as is expected i2018-19 to meet scenario 1/2 they will be looking for one last big contract. Tkachuck will be looking at more than 6M x6. There will be pressure to pick one to pay big $ or maybe hang on until the 2020 trade deadline.
If it is 3) there will be a hard look at what value the Flames can get for Neal / Backlund / Gio Old high paid guys that didn't carry the team to the next level and are getting older.
4) Fire sale ....
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