[SuperMatt18]

Going to be tough to get a team to trade an established bonafide 200ft center like an Eichel or Barkov, so don't think that can be the central plan of how to improve.

So you have a couple of options:

1) Trade for a top 10 pick which is where those guys are usually drafted. I think people have identified Buffalo, Minnesota, and New Jersey as teams with picks in the top 10 that may be open to moving them.
or
2) Try to find a guy that had that potential but hasn't lived up to it yet

A couple of guys that maybe could still break out:

-Pavel Zacha: Was okay for NJ but has gotten overlooked when the shiny new toys in Hischer and Hughes came to the roster
-Tyson Jost: Top 10 pick was compared to Toews, but has been stuck as more of a bottom 6 C on a loaded Avs team
-Nolan Patrick: Injury issues have derailed his career, but Philly doesn't really have space for him anymore and he could be a buy low candidate

I think the real problem the Flames are going to run into this offseason is the leagues uncertainty due to COVID-19. Are teams going to be open to moving high draft picks, and top prospects, for a player that helps them win now when it's unclear when the league is actually going to resume for the 20-21 season.

If I'm a GM i'd be really hesitant to move any future pieces for short term pieces, look how many teams moved pieces at the deadline last season only for them to almost lose those pieces for nothing due to a potentially cancelled season.