Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
There are 12 players under contract next year with their three highest-paid players entering their final year before free agency, and a looming expansion draft.
Like it or not, there are going to be big changes starting this summer and heading into 2022.
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Very true, but I am directly referencing the core.
I myself almost want Tkachuk traded, as I don't think he is going to be worth 9 million a season, and consider the risk of him being unreasonable in a contract negotiation being high, forcing the Flames to just qualify him at 9 million, him accepting it, and going UFA. I am actually more concerned with his contract status over any other player on the team.
However, I am still going to presume that this is going to be a blank slate, and if Sutter can get this team working hard for the rest of the season - and through the playoffs if they make it - then the 'core' will make its' own case as to whether or not it stays intact.
Yes, the expansion draft is looming, but I am still fairly confident that the Flames lose a defencemen.
Gaudreau
Tkachuck
Monahan
Backlund
Lindholm
Dube
Mangiapane
That leaves the next best player available as Sam Bennett (or maybe Lucic if he continues having a really good season!).
On defence you have to make a choice between
Giordano
Tanev
Andersson
Hanifin
Most likely it is either one of Giordano or Tanev, but who knows? If Giordano or Tanev (or, playing devil's advocate here, Andersson or Hanifin) are left unprotected, they would undoubtedly be chosen over Bennett, unless Bennett absolutely explodes under Darryl (I think he will improve and function really well, but not expecting him to suddenly turn heads and out-value one of those 4 D).
We are definitely going to lose a core player this year (unless Seattle surprises), but for the 'core' that is protected, I am indifferent right now to change either way - I am of the belief that Treliving will continue to explore ideas to make this team better, but it is up to the core under Darryl to tell him how urgently it needs to be done. Maybe Treliving trades half of them? Maybe the only member that leaves is through the expansion draft. I think most of us will be in agreement with what that answer turns out to be as soon as the off-season starts. Right now, it is anyone's guess, no matter what has happened in the past.