Lots of gloom here, and maybe some of it is right that Ras "should" have been traded last year, but this is still a fantastic year for holding the top available trade chip -- extension or not.
Most teams have a good chunk of cash available because of the rising cap, and so we've seen a flurry of re-signings as teams hold onto their stars knowing that the top free agent market is going to be limited.
Looking at cap wages, almost all teams still have plenty of cap space available to fit Ras in this year and give him a fat raise next year. The market is still going to be there for him for sure as there's no one else available of his caliber.
Just like with how the Markstrom trade went down, I don't think we need to overthink this or be disappointed or excited about rumours until something gets done or we get into the season. I just know the Flames are in a good place to be trading a guy like Andersson this year.
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