[Saqe]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

I would prefer trying to stay competitive in the future and not having to eat away at 3m for 2 more seasons after this one. What I would like the Flames to do is trade Markstrom to a contender, take on a meh contract that can turn out to be a good player for us, and flip the goalie they give back to us for an upgrade elsewhere.

For example, an NJ/CGY/LAK trade:

To NJ: Markstrom, Zadorov
To CGY: 2024/2025 1st (whichever San Jose doesn't get), Vanecek, Palat, 2026 2nd (for extra year of Palat)

To LA: Vanecek (50% retained by Calgary) --> 1.7m retained for 2024 and 2025
To CGY: Copley, *2024/2025 2nd, *2026 3rd (LA trades a 1st in 2024/2025 if they make it to conf. finals in either year, if they don't, Calgary gets 2026 3rd)

Both parties CGY deals with get upgrades on goalies, we get futures. I may be overvaluing what we can get with LAK, but Vanecek at 1.7m for 1.5 seasons is a steal. And i'd rather retain 1.7m on 1.5 seasons than 3m with 2.5. At least with retention for only one additional year form this one aligns with whatever we're doing with Mangiapane, Zary, and Wolf. And lastly, something Murray would likely agree to more than eating Markstrom's salary. I also think Palat in a top 6 wing spot here would allow us to either flip or keep him later. Could also make Mangiapane expendable for more assets.

The return seems plausible from NJ and maybe LA although I'm not very high on Vanicek (I don't think he's established himself enough, very inconsistent). Flipping Palat later on probably doesn't net you much even if you retain (which is questionable) due to his age. And looks like he has a full NMC for this year and the next and he probably wouldn't waive since he chose NJ as a free agent destination.