[bigrangy]

Mods can move this to the trade speculation thread if they want but I think it’s enough for a separate discussion, so it doesn’t clutter that one where people want actual rumours.

Backlund, 35
Tanev, 34
Lindholm, 29
Hanifin, 27
Toffoli, 32
Zadorov, 29

These 6 players will be these ages when their next contracts kick in. What should be done with them?

Backlund has earned the right to do what he wants imo, if he wants to extend at $5-6 mil x 2 or 3, extend him. If he wants to chase a cup, send him where he wants to go.

Tanev would be similar, he’s a huge asset on the back end, but also his health hasn’t let him make an impact in the important games yet. Would like to keep but think the trade return would be attractive.

Lindholm is an interesting problem. Is he an elite 1C and expects to be paid like one? Or does he think he’s just a solid top line guy? Can you trade him for elite 1C value? Re-singing him at $8x6 or 7 wouldn’t even be the worst thing in the world but I’d be super interested to see what a 50% retained Lindholm package would be this TDL.

Hanifin has many of the same questions. Is he a core piece? Does his next contract start with a 5, 6, 7, or 8? Seeing the American exodus, does he even want to re-sign?

Toffoli had been up and down as a Flame, and is very up this year. It always hurts less to move wingers, but consequently they’re worth less.

Zadorov, do any other teams think he could be a top 4 solution? Or is he a depth guy? Do the Flames want to pay a depth guy 3.75 mil?

If it was up to me I’m moving Hanifin, Toffoli, and Zadorov for futures and currency. I wouldn’t immediately shortcut into moving that currency for like a Chychrun or whatever, keep it through the draft and see what can be best done with it. Not having the 2025 1st means the team can’t be bad that year but 2024 can still be building if needed. Should be an interesting week leading up to the TDL.