Quote:
Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan
So Conroy in the recent press conference talks about having 7 UFAs that he has to deal with. We can all safely assume that all 7 will NOT be here next season, and that we are trying to inject more youth into the lineup.
Who stays and who goes, and if you think someone goes, what do you think we can get for that player?
1) Backlund
2) Lindholm
3) Toffoli
4) Hanifin
5) Tanev
6) Kylington
7) Zadorov
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Quoting myself since I didn't answer the question and I've got a little time to do so:
1) Backlund - 50/50 --> This is contingent on his recent demands. I agree with those that if we can sign him to a very reasonable deal (that doesn't hinder the team in any way, then go for it). He is a great middle 6 C that looks like age isn't slowing him down at all. Has been with the organization his whole career, would love to keep him for the remainder of it if something works out.
2) Lindholm - TRADE --> The offseason of 2022 was the deciding factor for me in what to do with Lindholm. Gaudreau and Tkachuk leaving really hurt his point production. I originally thought this would have been a tougher decision to make, but that was assuming Lindholm wouldn't skip a beat without Gaudreau and Tkachuk. I also thought he would have had a little bit better chemistry with Huberdeau, but Huberdeau was also struggling. Lastly, the Kadri signing pretty much takes Lindholm out of consideration. Do I prefer Lindholm? Absolutely. But, we already paid a 1st and signed a 30 year old center to a 7 year contract, we cannot do the same. Lindholm, pack your bags.
3) Toffoli - KEEP --> Might be an unpopular opinion, but I doubt many teams would buy high on Toffoli. I really liked his play here, and I think he would consider staying here for the right price and term. We can't handcuff ourselves though. I just know our RW position is weak, so ideally I'd like Coronato and Toffoli as our top 6 RWers in the future. Youth injection is important, but veterans help you get far in the playoffs.
4) Hanifin - TRADE --> I've got nothing but good things to say about Hanifin, but this is the perfect time to sell high on a player. He's not a top pairing guy, but he's a great #3 on almost every team out there. This guy, behind Lindholm, would get us the best return. And I think Calgary could manage with Kylington and Zadorov as the 4/5s, alternating who plays the middle paring with Tanev.
5) Tanev - KEEP --> This guy would have more value if he wasn't so injury prone. Because he's injury prone, I like him as the mainstay guy on the middle pairing. He allows his D partner (Hanifin/Kylington/Weegar) to get more engaged offensively. When injured, it provides opportunity for youth to play. We don't have very many good D prospects at the moment, which is another reason why we need to retain Tanev. He's a rock and a warrior on the back end.
6) Kylington - KEEP --> I am not saying that he makes Hanifin expendable, but we have to keep one and trade the other. I don't see a scenario that makes sense in keeping both. Kylington will get more pp time, more ES time, and better opportunity to improve his game with Hanifin gone. Lastly, Kylington in my POV would cost a lot less in term and in $'s. Have to retain Kylington. If Kylington is struggling out of the gate, use Zadorov in the middle pairing spot until Kylington's up to speed.
7) Zadorov - KEEP --> This is a guy that I would like to keep because he's a great bottom pairing guy that can play middle pairing when necessary. Unless some team was looking for some truculence and a big man to make some hits, we can gladly take overpayment for him. Assuming that doesn't happen though, I'd rather we keep the guy that has already shown he likes it in Calgary and has re-signed with us. Could see him doing it again too.