[FlamesAddiction]

The Flames have jostled between second most and most cap space all season. You don't go into a season with that much cap space and expect to make the playoffs.

Now that a wild card spot is more likely than a top 10 pick, the goal may have shifted at least for this season. Honestly, I think you could trade Andersson and Coleman, and this team still wouldn't tank hard enough to matter at this point. The young guns and Wolf won't allow it. If it is going to be mushy middle with playoffs or mushy middle without the playoffs, might as well try to make the playoffs and then re-evaluate in the offseason.

I am not saying we should get rentals, but keep the status quo. Don't pull the rug out from under them after busting their butts all year to exceed expectations. The damage to the culture and goodwill between players and management wouldn't be worth the relatively small asset gains.

Guys like Andersson and Coleman are not going to lose their value in the offseason. If anything, trading players with contract term is easier in the offseason than at the trade deadline. Most playoff teams are looking for rentals and don't want to over commit. Meanwhile most non-playoff teams are selling and don't want veterans at all.

If a team wants to overpay, then sure, go for it. But selling just to sell when time is still on your side, nah.