I really hope Conroy is able to maximize retention on a Kadri trade this year. Sounds like any kind of retention (let alone max retention) is unlikely though based on comments from some insiders.
I assume that it is because it is a business/money side of the equation. An owner (especially one like Edwards) just does not like to spend $10+ million for someone not to play for them.
Which is too bad if it means the difference between getting a conditional 2nd round pick + B prospect and getting a 1st round pick + A-level prospect for Kadri. Especially since I don’t think the flames will really need that retention spot over the next 3 years of Kadri’s contract. This is last contract that likely needs to be moved and needs much retention to increase the return significantly. Even if Coleman’s contract needs retention in the offseason/next season, it could be done with the Markstrom retention spot. The flames don’t need the cap space and likely won’t need it till 4 years from now when the young players start to enter their 2nd/3rd NHL contracts.
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