Quote:
Originally Posted by Wolven
I think the trade only happens at the draft because a team offers Conroy the one thing he cannot refuse. Otherwise it makes sense for the Flames to wait for July 1st and see how the free agent frenzy can pump up the price on Andersson.
Being able to trade him for a tiny cap hit for 1 year AND a contract extension would make him desirable for any team looking to make noise in the playoffs for the next ~6 years.
Ekblad signing an extension in the next week would be amazing. The UFA pool for RD would be down to Fabbro, Ceci, Schmidt, Perbix...
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I am hoping Ekblad signs soon too, and I think he will. I believe Ekblad said something about wanting to stay there 'no matter what' even before the Panthers won the cup. I bet they find a way.
As for the contract extension when it comes to Andersson, Calgary can give teams permission to talk to him once they get a deal done. They can agree to terms, and then sign it a week or two later. That shouldn't be a hold-up.
I doubt the perceived increase in talent for the 2026 draft will be an issue. I don't think it is going to be seen similarly to the 2023 draft. As well, maybe a team or two does shy away over a perceived increase in quality, but some will still fancy themselves as a great team, and some will falter. Hopefully Andersson goes to a team that has a bit of a letdown season, or some random bad luck that year. I don't the 1st this year will be anywhere close to a top 10 pick, so I would rather roll the dice for next year, and I think there would be a long list of suitors willing to trade their 1st.