From a contract perspective I think the Flames get a lot more flexibility if Backlund and his 3 years at 5.3 is removed. Next offseason will be tight but the following offseason is rather critical with Gaudreau, Tkachuk, Giordano and Mangipane all needing new deals. Gio likely takes a significant pay cut. Mangipane likely doubles his salary and Tkachuk probably pushes for a $10M cap hit. Gaudreau will cost in the 9-10 range if he is interested in staying here for his career.
Flames do not keep all 4 players most likely but will have some big deals to work out that summer regardless.
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