You cannot afford a repeat of the mistake the Flames made last season with pending UFAs who walk (unless you are prepared for that price, which is zero return but in exchange the availability of cap space).
If Mackenzie doesn't want to negotiate during season but wants to stay in Calgary that's fine, sounds like he has about 10 days to make up his mind then. If not, you trade at the deadline. Regardless of playoff position. Time to get ruthless with assets.
I also think you make it abundantly clear, if you're the Flames, that this is your position. "We either negotiate during season, or you agree now, or if no to both previous requests, you risk being traded at deadline".
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