I think this all hinges on Gaudreau, and unfortunately I think Gaudreau wants to be closer to home. He probably walks for nothing and the Flames are forced into a massive rebuild, having only a second, fifth, and seventh rounder in the up coming draft. Without Gaudreau it is unlikely that Tkachuk wants to hang around either. Tkachuk will take his qualifier and be an UFA at the end of next season. This is probably the best thing for the Flames as it will force their hand elsewhere and likely in a complete burn down to the foundation. I suspect we see this.
Johnny Gaudreau - walks for greener pastures.
Matt Tkachuk - Makes it known he's only going to accept his qualifying offer, forcing the Flames to trade him. I would send him to New Jersey for their first pick, #2 overall, and see if you could pry out Zacha at the same time. That would be two really solid pieces going forward.
Andrew Mangiapane - Going to be expecting big money. Dangle him and see if anyone is interested. Take what picks you can get and move on.
Ryan Carpenter - Waste of a pick. Don't want or need him.
Calle Jarnkrok - You really have to keep him after the price they paid. Letting him walk for nothing would be a waste of assets.
Tyler Toffoli - Keep, but be prepared to move him if a deal comes along to aid in the rebuild.
Sean Monahan - LTIR next season and then he likely retires after getting his last paycheck. Just a guy that injuries ravaged.
Milan Lucic - Try and convince him to retire. He might just do that if he sees the team lose Gaudreau and they are forced to trade Tkachuk and Mangiapane.
Oliver Kylington - Re-sign him and hope he turns into a star. He showed flashes, give him more rope after this year's experience.
Jusso Valimaki - Trade him for anything you can get. Ruined asset.
Erik Gudranson - See if you can sign him to a friendly deal. Need the toughness.
Nikita Zadorov - I like Big Z, but he has to come at the right price. I think he's going to go someplace for more money than Calgary can pay.
Connor Mackie - Bring him up. Play him.
Micheal Stone - Probably gets signed again. The Flames like him.
Matthew Phillips - Multi-generational player. Sign him to an 8 year $120M contract. Immediately retire his jersey and rename the Saddledome after him. He's obviously the answer to McDavid and Draisaitl. I see 600 goals and 1,300 points, just next year alone.
Next year will be a very hard transition to a big rebuild. They are going to have to hope that the junior scorers they have turning pro can continue their exploits and growth. The biggest question I have is whether Treliving lives to have a hand in the rebuild. I think he pushed in all his chips, and there has to be consequences as a result.
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