Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinny01
I think the organization needs to take a one-step back two-step forward approach with the roster and be prepared for another down year (maybe) next year and move on from guys who have 1 year left and do not want to sign long term. If that means trading 2 of our top 3 centers and a top 3 Dman then so be it.
It would be a massive mistake to treat these guys like own rentals and walk them to free agency. I also think they need to avoid anymore huge deals for players in their 30’s so I am not thrilled with an 8 year deal over $9M per for Lindholm.
I wouldn’t worry about extending Tanev, Zadorov, or Kylington before the season and see how next year goes. If the season goes poorly they become rental options and if it goes well they are guys I would risk losing for nothing or extending. Hanifin would be in the extend or trade situation that would need to be resolved in the summer. He is too valuable to walk for nothing. Lindholm is in the same scenario and it feels like he wants out so I am currently assuming he is gone. If Backlund wants out the accommodate it. I am not as firm in my belief he needs to be resolved this summer but cashing in on a good season makes sense. Toffoli to me is in a unique spot. A 3 year extension at $6M or 4 years at $5.5M is something I could live with and would consider him a strong option to get the C if that happens. If he wants a deal over 5 years or over $7M then I think they should sell high.
I think the goal is to rebuild Markstrom’s value with the goal of moving him in-season or in the offseason of 24. If Wolf wins the Calder cup this year if might make more sense to move Vladar this summer or see if a team will give value for Markstrom.
If the Flames move 2 of their top 3 centers in the summer the options will be slim. Perhaps they get a center in return? Dube could shift back to the position full time? They could see what short term UFA deals for guys like O’Rielly or Monahan would cost? Zary could get a look? The result could be another down year but the 16th pick this year will be a good prospect, Coronato, Pelletier, Wolf, Zary are all knocking on the door. Get the right young assets for Lindholm and Backlund this team will be armed with assets to pounce on the next young star wanting out.
TLDR I think this team needs to consider next year being a down year so they can have the assets to avoid this being several painful years and with the right moves they can turn things around quickly with the pieces they have
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I agree that they should take the Lindholm and Backlund pressers as an indication that a retool is needed. A retool has centre depth of Kadri, Dube, Ruzy, and Zary, unless they get NHL ready back in a trade. I'm not sure we're competing for a playoff spot with those centres.