I was optimistic this team was going to bounce back based on some of the apparent dark cloud that followed Sutter around. The way this team came out sold me that they just won’t have it and time for change is now. There were 6 UFA’s and keeping Backlund was the right move. Kylington is just done unfortunately so we won’t know what could have been there.
Even though they have been much better of late I am still convinced this team needs a fairly major retooling and should be looking to maximize the return on their remaining 4 UFA’s. Hanifin and Lindholm are premium trade chips that teams will want long term so they should get a 1st++ package each. Tanev and Zadorov both represent a type of player that teams love to get for a playoff drive. A heart and soul stay at home type and a big physical Dman who can move. I think there is a chance teams will pay a slight premium for these players based on their desirability in the playoffs.
No matter what the Flames do they need to sell these 4 guys and start to work more prospects from their top ranked AHL team in the lineup. There should be no buying, no retaining, and no extending for this team. I am all for competing but they must sell to set themselves up for a youth movement in the years that come.
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