Honestly this just gets me back to where I was a couple of weeks ago. I used to be under the belief that the only chance of getting Eichel here is using Tkachuk as a trade chip. I had convinced myself that maybe a heavier futures package around Monahan could work for both sides and would work better for the Flames as they could send out a truly elite top line and top 6.
I am just now back in the thought process that we need to use Tkachuk as our main trade chip and I think it should be easier to get a deal done that way.
People also saying “why would the Blues give up anything for Tkachuk now when they have him for free in 2 years” I don’t think that id a risk the Blues have interest in taking. The Flames could send Tkachuk to many markets that I think would have a shot at extending him. California (doubtful due to division), New York, Florida/Tampa, Boston, Philly, Pittsburgh etc all will have interest. The Blues are also a team that is aging quickly but still have some solid pieces in their prime so getting Tkachuk now makes sense to push to win ASAP and get Tkachuk at 23 years old.
Tarasenko will not come to Calgary and is not part of this deal in my opinion. He is the first domino to fall. Once he is moved out then I see a situation where the Flames work a 3 way deal with the Sabres and Blues or 2 separate deals
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