The reality is that in modern sports players walk. The NBA paints the picture of what the future looks like. Pro athletes are going to push for more movement, earlier in their careers. They are going to apply whatever leverage they can. They are going to want to be paid earlier. The idea of a 2nd contract has all but vanished.
Therefore teams will be looking to build their asset base, draft capital and cap room to time it all so they can take a shot for a period of time.
If the Flames are a disappointment this year, and don't look like a contender then sure trade him. But this team is a win now mode, so assuming they think they have a chance, they ain't going to trade him even if he's a pending UFA.
But there is far more nuance to this then concluding that losing a UFA is good or bad. That's a lot of room in middle.
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