Quote:
Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
Almost all the Flames best trade assets are in their 20's now and that's a much better place to be compared to teams that have a core of top players in their 30's with limited trade value. Ducks and Kings were screwed because their best players were in their 30's, tied up long term, and declining making them largely untradeable. The Blackhawks are in deep even with the get out of jail free card they got from the Hossa retirement scam. If the Flames keep hanging on to this core they will head in that direction of no return.
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This is why it's somewhat critical for the Flames to make some decisions. There is a number of guys in their mid 20's on okay dollar contracts right now. Gaudreau, Monahan, Hanifin, Lindholm, and Tkachuck. Those guys all likely look for more money on their next deal, and in each case save maybe Hanifin they likely are not as productive in the seasons after their current deals expire. So even at the same money...value would be less.
Do they continue on with this, change it our, or look for a reset? I don't know. I think they'll likely perpetuate the cycle of mediocrity and trade most of them for lesser younger NHL players who cost less, not really get any good draft picks and over pay in free agency for second and third tier help or keep trading premium packages and assets for average players.
I would prefer picks and a 3 year commitment minimum to rebuilding the asset base. Easy for me to say though.