[Macindoc]

Two problems trading Markstrom right now, aside from his NTC:

1. Salary would likely have to be retained to maximize returns, which would mean having part of his salary on the books for two additional years, and

2. Flames need to identify and properly develop their future core, including Wolf. They cannot mess up the development of Wolf, Zary, Coronato, Honzek, Poirier, and Morin. Part of ensuring that these players reach their maximum potential is to have players on the NHL roster who can mentor them, and ideally those mentors would many of the characteristics that you want to see developed in those up and coming players. Markstrom is a much better example of a true #1 goaltender who can carry the mail for the majority of games. Vladar has far less experience, has never played 60+ games in a season, and has never been #1 at the NHL level.

The Flames have the mentors they will need for forwards (Kadri seems revitalized in this role) and for Wolf (Markstrom). The only question is, who will mentor the developing D core? Tanev would be great, but I doubt he will still be on the team by the time our D prospects are NHL-ready. I guess Weegar would probably be a good choice, so it's great that he's signed long-term.