Simply put, you can't make it work because of salary cap constraints. I don't think it's arguable to state that Karlsson is a franchise dman. But when you have so many guys under contract, and young talent in the future that has to be re-signed, it makes it harder to justify making a deal for Karlsson for one season, and if you want more beyond that, you have to move out one of the young guys assuming Karlsson stays. I guess GM's are hired to make those tough decisions, but on a team like the Flames and their current status, I don't think it'd be possible. SJ can eventually walk away from Thornton and a few others to make room. I don't think it works out for Calgary in the same way.
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