A first to get rid of Monahan doesn't seem ideal when Lucic should be moveable for far less given his salary (league minimum practically because of Edmonton) and usefullness as a veteran fourth liner with a cup. Because of those latter reasons I'm also happy if the Flames hold onto Lucic and move Monahan for something less than a first.
I do think if the Flames move a first to get rid of Monahan that this is owner influence. They have made it known they don't like paying for players to play elsewhere (Lucic's signing bonus), and have shed dead salary in bad trades before (Kotalik).
With Monahan they are looking at about a 95M roster in actual salary this year (assuming Kadri is making 7M in salary this year) so I can understand them trying to cut cost, but this is where Toronto and New York's infinite money would be nice as they would just be moving Lucic if they were in the exact same situation.
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