I get the theory that the Flames will be able to take back contract at the deadline. And I want to believe it. But two problems:
1) Teams gearing up for a playoff run stockpile veterans, they don’t deal them away. I’m struggling to think of a sizeable contract moved at the deadline by the buyer.
2) If you look at the contending that are likely looking at Lindholm, Hanifin, and Tane, their rosters are chock full of NTC/NMCs. Hard to imagine a Coyle, Carlo, or Suter waiving to go a non-playoff Canadian team.
https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/mapleleafs
https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/mapleleafs
https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/bruins
So where are these contracts that the Flames need to make space for? I’m struggling to find a likely candidate.