[N26]

Gaudreau. He is as one-dimensional as it gets and he doesn't bring that dimension effectively and especially, often enough any more.

Monahan has the possibility of being reborn in a variety of ways, including playing the middle on a different top line. Or as the 2nd line centre. He plays alright defense and can go back to killing penalties. Maybe he can become the shooting winger for a playmaking centre?

Tkachuk is too good at too many aspects of the game to let him go unless the return is huge. He hasn't been very good this year but you don't send out a player like this because of a down year.

Lindholm. Simply not part of the problem.

Backlund. Could be part of a deal but hardly necessary. He is what he is. A mostly good player who does a lot of little things well and sometimes gets hot offensively. A good 3rd line centre with a contract 1 or 2 years too long

Hanifin. Proved all those people last summer trying to trade him wrong. You don't give up on young talent because of one weak season. (see above Tkachuk, Matthew)

Gio. What are you going to get for him? Unlikely to be a difference maker. Would be good as a 5-6 d-man which is very possible if Valimaki and Andersson continue to improve.

Tanev. Also wasn't part of the problem. Lived up to his contract and played a role in Hanifin's ascent. If the deal is right then maybe but wouldn't go looking to move him.

Andersson. Is he core yet? Maybe. Still on the rise. Definitely would keep him into next year anticipating continued improvement and consistency.

Markstrom. Still probably one of the better seasons for a Calgary goalie since Kipper. Obviously not good enough but no need to get rid of him. Plus that would be 2 higher-profile UFAs ditched after a year (Neal) in a short time. Not a good look for future signings.

So Gaudreau. The time is right. Asset management-wise such as the contract NTC, the chance of resigning, the state of the team and, honestly, the situation in Philadelphia. I think a deal is there that works for both sides.