When all is said and done, this is a status quo deal. We still have the same level of uncertainty, just two players instead of one. Instead of signing one player, we have two that we have to sign. Yes, there is more time to work a deal, but the reality is we could be stuck with two UFAs going into the trade deadline that the team refuses to move because "we're in the mix" for a playoff spot and not true contenders. We should have learned from this past season that we were not true contenders, and our coach definitely felt that way.
There is a silver lining to this. We have two high value players that could recoup good assets. The problem here is we are unlikely to see 2023 draft picks traded, even as teams start to understand where they shake out. I expect there to be more 2024/2025 picks offered because they are weaker drafts, which is going to hurt long-term. A rebuild will then be pushed out years into the future rather than a quick retool. Something to consider and keep in mind as you evaluate this deal.
The Flames have potential to make this a huge win by getting both player under contract in short order. These will be core pieces to keeping the team relevant in the next few years. Fail to get that those contracts extended and you're looking at a drawn out rebuild as the picks will be more future oriented unless you can convince teams to cough up their blue chippers in lieu of draft picks. I really like the deal, but extensions have to come quickly or this just becomes a kicking of the can six months down the road.
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