Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
I'd be surprised if either guy gets less than 10M on their next contract.
Gaudreau is going to look at Mitch Marner's AAV and expect more now that Treliving can't strongarm with RFA leverage nonsense.
Tkachuk might have less footing, both from his own production and his RFA situation, but he's still largely in control of his future. The Flames' best source of leverage is team-elected arbitration, but that would walk Tkachuk straight to UFA at age 25. He's producing again under Sutter - probably even gonna have a career year considering he is no longer playing with Backlund and Frolik at 5v5. He's in a cushy spot and he will get paid.
The minute the Flames failed to acquire Eichel, the most sensible course of action became to get major assets in return for these two plus Tanev, Backlund, Coleman, and after paying his signing bonus Lucic. The team's record throws a wrench in the optics there, though. Damned if you do and damned if you don't.
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The Flames are not blowing it up, nor should they. This is still a relatively young hockey team. This is also a very good hockey team. You don’t blow it up just for the fun of it. This core is playing for the best coach they’ve ever had. They won’t be an easy out this spring.