What terrible timing this year to try and sell players. Reminds me of the Feaster year when he declared Calgary "open for business" to weaponize cap space, only for the market to be non-existent as compliance buyouts created a tonne of room. I would like to blame Treliving for this, but I can't. This is just bad luck in terms of timing. I do wish that the Flames were a bit more aggressive in trying to sell a player or two at the deadline last year - would have been nice to have a few more darts for this past draft, as well as some cap space to weaponize.
It is what it is for now. One thing we can count on is how desperate GMs become. Eventually injuries will happen, and Hanifin might be the best defencemen on the market (especially given his team-friendly contract). Smooth skating, mistake-free minute-munchers capable of playing on a top pairing are always in demand. I have no doubt that Calgary will trade Hanifin for a good return at some point, and if they decide to move on from Backlund, him as well.
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