If the Flames can manage to bring in a big FA or trade for a D, then I think it is more than consideration to expose Gio at the expansion draft. I know he is the captain, but he turns 37 in a week. Probably be 38 by time the season kicks off after the expansion draft. I would rather hang onto a bunch of Dmen that will be with this franchise for 5-10 years after the expansion draft than gamble on a single season with Gio. Probably a good time to transition to Tkachuk as the captain.
If the stars align and Pietroangleo is signed you protect him, Andersson and Hanifin. Add Valamaki to those 3 and there is your top 4 Dmen for at least the next 5 years.
I am also not sold on trading Monahan. He has been a very productive center over his career. He trails Getzlaf by 80 goals on their careers. He is good at face-offs and his 200ft game is improving.
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