Quote:
Originally Posted by devo22
I think "I don't want to play for the Flames" and "I'm not sure I want to commit for 8 years" are two completely different things. Pretty sure Hanifin is firmly in the second bracket, and I get it - there's uncertainty right now as to where this team is going. I've always liked Hanifin and I have no ill will towards him whatsoever if he decides to move on. If Conroy has his answer, there's more than enough time to facilitate a trade and work on a possible sign-and-trade.
I fully expect Hanifin to fetch a very, very healthy return, especially with an extension in place. As much as I like Noah, this is exciting ... in addition to the Lindholm and Tanev trades, it could set the Flames up extremely well for the future.
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If the Flames trade Tanev, they won't make the playoffs this year.
If the Flames keep Hanifin and tried to buy next summer, they could be a playoff team but no way they are a contender to win the cup.
If you look at the age of the players with contracts, we have going into the 25/26 season, unless we develop high end star players that can carry the team, we will not be a contender.
If we sell like we are this year each of the next 3 years, it's what is best for the team even if signing Hanifin makes some sense. It's going to be tough to build a contender before then, unless we win the draft lottery or hit on a bunch of picks. But most picks we picked in the last draft and moving forward likely need 2 to 4 years to develop.