[Hackey]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

Flames can trade basically any two contracts without retention or taking salary back, and still be above the cap floor, so theoretically, they could trade-out many of the vets.

However, I am definitely not advocating this in the slightest - far from it, actually.

This is how I see the 'vets':

Certainty of staying:
Backlund - he has re-signed to retire a Flame, and break the record for most games played as a Flame.
Huberdeau - Heavy negative value asset right now unless the Flames retain significantly - but given the number of years, that's a non-starter.

Certainty of leaving this season:
Andersson - upcoming UFA. He is moving for sure I would think.

More vague, but likely to be moved:
Kadri - There is a market now.
Coleman - I 100% agree and would love to keep Coleman as I value his leadership on this team more than most on this forum. I think, however, his return will surprise people.
Hanley - he isn't really mentioned as part of the leadership group, but he is an older player, and if he can be traded for a 6th or 7th round pick, then I would think there is a chance he goes.

Unlikely moving this season or in the near future:
Weegar - long term deal, and the Flames are already thin on defence.
Lomberg - a bit of a rich contract, and generally not a guy teams bring in for a cup run, but he is a guy that teams want for a rebuild to help protect the kids and help keep things positive.

That's how I see it. I would love to keep Coleman, but Coleman may not want to stay either. I am worried that Weegar will not be willing to stay either. It doesn't mean I want to see them traded, but rather that they may force a trade-out as I am sure they would rather play for a contender.


If the worst ends up happening and all the vets ask to be moved, I am sure that Conroy can find ways to stay above the cap floor. Once again - not my preference, but rather my worry.

This is how I see it as well, but I really think they should trade Weegar while his value is high. He is their highest value asset of all the vets and could bring back something decent. Go out and sign/overpay a vet D if that's your reason for keeping him around.