I still contend this is a crossroads for the Flames and a rebuild may be forced upon them if Gaudreau does not extend with the team. The Flames may be able to throw an ungodly offer at Tkachuk, but what would be his motivation other than money? This is not a team with a wealth of assets that could turn into top end talent or be used to surround Tkachuk with high end free agents. I see him accepting his qualifying offer and going UFA where 32 teams can bid for his services. If the Flames already know this, and they should, he should be traded at the draft which will signal the fire sale certain to follow the departure of the team's best two players.
|