This is the move I thought made most sense when the Flames season ended but I was convinced it wasn’t happening. I am back in thinking this is a legit possibility and I believe it is the right move.
If Tkachuk is committed to the organization then I would try and build a purely futures based offer or one where a cap hit like Monahan or Backlund is sent out in a separate trade to make the cap work. Ideally Johnny and Chucky sign extensions this summer and you build your team around Eichel, Tkachuk, Gaudreau, Lindholm, Mangiapane up front.
If the whispers are true and Tkachuk wants out then this is a deal that makes a ton of sense for the Flames. There is injury risk with Eichel but there is potential for one of the best players in the league in his prime to be a Flame. Tkachuk then becomes the Flames main trade chip who I believe can acquire the futures the Flames need to get them to close the deal.
Getting Eichel and signing Gaudreau seems like the absolute best path if this team refuses to go down the rebuild path.
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