I don't think it's a great idea to extend him. I get that he's tough to replace and the flames might be competitive in 3 years... but the goal shouldn't be to be a marginal playoff team in 2-3 years, it should be to contend for the cup in 4 or 5 and moving him would bring in top tier assets that would help with that, and result in their picks being better. Never mind the fact that he's been measured against the best players in the league in our division over a playoff series and been torched when he's matched up against like Oilers top line. He could fill a key role on a contender but seems very unlikely that is as a top pairing guy on a team that actually wins it all.
They don't need to go completely scorched earth or try to full on tank but the Flames certainly need to cut a little deeper than just flipping 2 or 3 relatively painless UFAs for younger serviceable NHLers and B picks and prospects to get to a team that is actually decent again. The path they've started down requires some painful moves to pay off or we'll be right back where the flames always are, middling and in no man's land playing a lot of pointless hockey.
The only way it makes sense to me for him to be locked down on big money is if he doesn't demand a no trade and the deal is moveable.
|