[Flash Walken]

Things we know about Jeff Gorton and the flames:

Gorton drives a hard bargain, but is definitely a guy who likes to make moves. I think the flames and rangers were talking over the summer before Hamilton was moved and the rangers held firm, so Tre dealt fox to the canes. I think there might be some regret there on the part of the rangers and perhaps something was learned by them about negotiating with Treliving.

We also know that for as eager as Tre is to include stipulations on picks, Gorton is equally as receptive in getting conditional picks back. in a time when dealing value for value is so complicated, having two guys receptive to the fluctuating value of picks makes it easier to do a deal.

If both teams are going into this with their eyes wide open anout the possibility of Hayes re-signing (very slim imo), that makes the idea of doing a deal easier. For example in a deal with an eastern team where Hayes is rumoured to want to stay, the rangers have to be sure they get value for the notion of playing against Hayes frequently on a rival team. I'd everyone knows he is a pure rental in Calgary, that lowers Calgary's cost to acquire.

We also know the rangers don't have an issue moving multiple players in a deal with a team with a shopping list. I feel as though that may be the flames this year: looking at adding multiple bodies. That's another indication they could be good/likely trading partners. If Tre thinks he can get good value for 3 players from one organization in one deal, I think that's the type of deal he wants to pull the trigger on.

We also know the rangers will eat salary.

Depending on health I could see a deal where the fpames end up with Hayes, fast and McQuaid coming back for conditioanal picks and solid but unspectacular prospects.