I really don't like the idea of trading our first, even if it's to get rid of a contract anchor like Neal. The Flames are depleted in prospect assets on the forward side because of our willingness to get rid of early round draft picks for the past several years. Flames had no first round pick last year, and I think it would be a mistake to pass up on it back to back years, even if it's later in the round.
Unless you're bringing in a +80 point centre, that's south of the age 30 mark, and has at least a few years on their contract remaining - thus not a short term rental - it's not worth it to sacrifice the future for a short term fix that might not be solution. The Flames aren't in a position that they have to go all in now, otherwise the window is shut for the next few years. Even if Gaudreau and Monahan are moved, yes it would push them back a few years perhaps, but there's still pieces in place to grow with, and be a playoff bubble team in the meantime.
It takes just one pick to possibly pick a player that can be a core piece of your roster down the road, and the early the pick, the greater the chance. The Flames should be holding on to their picks, and collecting moreso than giving away. The organization needs to focus on building from within, rather than externally via trades and free agency.
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