This is the dilemma I have with the Flames with their current standings on Christmas break. One point out of a playoff spot, but also at risk of handing Montreal our 1st round pick 2025.
The only way we keep it is if we fall down to bottom 10 of standings (but in return giving up our other 1st round pick from Florida). Florida's pick will most likely be a late 1st which is easier to stomach than our own which will most likely be a mid-1st rounder (11-16, if we miss the playoffs and don't finish bottom 10 overall).
As much as I appreciated the Flames efforts in being competitive (ie. Huby actually being decent for once, the young guys of Coronato, Wolf, Pelletier and Pospisil continuing to develop into important contributors to the team), I think it is against the Flames' best interest to try (and most likely fail) to make the playoffs when another top 10 pick for this year's draft would help get us another blue chip prospect for the future.
TLDR I would rather give Florida's 1st round pick to Montreal than our own. We should be focusing on our own rebuild, not expedite Montreal's rebuild if you know what I mean (thanks a lot Treliving
) What you guys think?