I think all players have to be considered for dealing, but to hear some suggesting Gaudreau is pretty crazy. He's a guy who can wheel and deal and exactly what you want going forward in today's league. I've mentioned it before but the first thing you should check off is anyone who can't skate is worth exploring a trade for. So you have guys like Monahan, Neal, and Brodie. I'm sure there would be lineups for teams to get Monahan, but who would give up a guy who can skate as well as has puck sense, is the question? So perhaps if they're targeting someone high at the draft it's Monahan + 2nd rounder for a high pick. Neal, eat salary and get a 2nd rounder back - maybe even at next years deadline. Brodie could get a late 1st perhaps. I'd also deal one of the younger guys for a mid-career guy who can play hard - going too young seems a bit inexperienced.
The core didn't look good, but this in hindsight was a bad matchup and not indicative of how they'd fare against 25 of the other teams. So I don't think you blow it up - simple retool should be fine. It starts with speed and puck sense so the Flames gotta zero in on finding that talent while some of the younger talent matures a bit.
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