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I don't think an Eichel acquisition would cripple the franchise or leave it without enough depth.

I'm thinking the Flames offer is something like this:

Mangiapane
Valimaki
One of Pelletier or Zary
One of Coronato or 2022 first round pick

I'm guessing the Sabres are looking for a more blue chip type prospect from some of the other teams in hunt, but the Kings are either not offering up Byfield or they are offering Byfield but not much else. Same for the Rangers who's offer is probably centered around Lafreniere.

I'm guessing what the Flames are offering is more quantity as opposed to quality, but the offer is in line with the supposed ask. I think it's a very competitive offer.

As for how that affects the Flames roster if accepted, well, you still have plenty to compete with in the now and acquiring Eichel increases your chances of re-signing Gaudreau and Tkachuk. You probably end up losing Monahan but you hope that some of the prospects remaining such as Dube, Zary/Pelletier, Coronato/2022 first, Ruzicka, Phillips, can become top 6 supplementary pieces.

Flames could absorb the Eichel contract now without dumping Monahan. They would just have to run with a lot of young players which is what a lot of fans want anyways.

Or they could dump Monahan and acquire a top 4 defenseman long term.

The big question is Eichel worth the risk? It's a huge gamble but I think the Flames have already made the decision to go for it. It comes down to whether the Sabres will play with them. This isn't one of those Treliving driving up the price on his rivals play.