Sad, but from a cold business perspective, it isn't bad for the Flames.
Gio was one of the best Flames we've had. A great player, a great person, and a Norris Trophy winner. Thanks for everything, Gio.
Going forward however, he was not going to be able to provide good value for his contract this year. To be clear, I was strongly in favour of his contract, and he has MORE than lived up to it, but the simple fact of the matter is that, at 38, this year was going to be the under belly of the great value the team has gotten up to this point. Simply put, the cap space is more valuable, this year, than he can hope to be.
The other factor is the change to the core. In no way am I blaming Gio for the challenges that this core has faced. However, the fact is that removing him provides a big shake up to the room, the leadership and the core group of players. Again, not his fault, but I think the result will provide the impetus for change that is needed.
IMO, this doesn't hurt the Flames overall. And if the cap space is well used, it might actually be a net positive.
And then we can re-sign Gio next year!
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