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Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina
It's just counter to everything we've heard (which is he has ZERO interest in moving). Now you are right, when the NTC becomes modified then things open up, but a 13 team list is pretty big. Savvy payers can construct the list to include teams they don't want to go to that are also realistic trade destinations. Teams not on the list can be those that aren't realistic based on cap considerations and/or where they are in the win cycle. So it still grants the player quite a lot of control.
But that element coupled with perhaps the Flames still being out of the playoffs makes it more realistic. In terms of cashing out now, to maximize his value though, I don't see it.
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It's a fair point that he could use the list of 13 to try and proactively block a trade but for me that's not enough teams to protect yourself... if you block good teams you could end up in a dumpster fire as am sure rebuilding teams who have already bottomed out would love a guy like that, if you block the bad teams a contender in a market he doesn't like could come in. Reality is it's got to be approached as a partnership though if the Flames are thinking of moving him by both Naz and the team acknowledging neither hold all the cards.
Next summer the balance of power swings over to the flames and so while I don't expect it to happen this year, I wouldn't write it off completely. A winning team in a decent place in the middle of their window comes in with a massive offer for him with a bit of retention and it might make sense for all parties.
You do need to keep some vets and he's a guy whose attitude seems to be top notch as far as modelling for the younger guys and he wants to be here too which is massive. Only reason I raised it is when you look at the roster he's the most valuable trade piece we have among the older players but I agree it's not something I'm expecting, but in a full rebuild/embrace the tank and go for McKenna scenario he should be the second guy out the door after Rasmus.