So there is ONE core guy traded this summer...who do you choose?

[nik-]

If it's based purely on a hockey decision it's Monahan. Limited center who's basically just a shot and has wrist injuries piling up over his career. I don't think the trajectory turns back upward long term.

Value wise, and the inability to really let him shine because of team construction, it's Gaudreau. I'd love it we had a team where he could play third or fourth string, but we don't.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Mass_nerder

It depends on whether Tre can get a good feeling for what Johnny wants to do. If he's committed to staying, you probably want to hold onto him and trade Monahan.
If he's wishy washy, trade Johnny and get good value instead of losing him for nothing (probably still trade Monahan too though)

This.

In fact i go to him and his agent and flat out state that without parameters for a deal in place by the draft, he can start packing up.

Its business at that point and BT has to put team first.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Gaudreau situation has to be priority. I want to keep him but the contract extension has to be happening or there's no choice but trading him.

[N26]

Gaudreau. He is as one-dimensional as it gets and he doesn't bring that dimension effectively and especially, often enough any more.

Monahan has the possibility of being reborn in a variety of ways, including playing the middle on a different top line. Or as the 2nd line centre. He plays alright defense and can go back to killing penalties. Maybe he can become the shooting winger for a playmaking centre?

Tkachuk is too good at too many aspects of the game to let him go unless the return is huge. He hasn't been very good this year but you don't send out a player like this because of a down year.

Lindholm. Simply not part of the problem.

Backlund. Could be part of a deal but hardly necessary. He is what he is. A mostly good player who does a lot of little things well and sometimes gets hot offensively. A good 3rd line centre with a contract 1 or 2 years too long

Hanifin. Proved all those people last summer trying to trade him wrong. You don't give up on young talent because of one weak season. (see above Tkachuk, Matthew)

Gio. What are you going to get for him? Unlikely to be a difference maker. Would be good as a 5-6 d-man which is very possible if Valimaki and Andersson continue to improve.

Tanev. Also wasn't part of the problem. Lived up to his contract and played a role in Hanifin's ascent. If the deal is right then maybe but wouldn't go looking to move him.

Andersson. Is he core yet? Maybe. Still on the rise. Definitely would keep him into next year anticipating continued improvement and consistency.

Markstrom. Still probably one of the better seasons for a Calgary goalie since Kipper. Obviously not good enough but no need to get rid of him. Plus that would be 2 higher-profile UFAs ditched after a year (Neal) in a short time. Not a good look for future signings.

So Gaudreau. The time is right. Asset management-wise such as the contract NTC, the chance of resigning, the state of the team and, honestly, the situation in Philadelphia. I think a deal is there that works for both sides.

[Buff]

I can't decide between Gaudreau or Monahan. Unless there is huge dressing room issues, Tkachuk gets a pass for this off season, but if he doesn't pick it up next year...


I think most of us are going to be very disappointed. So many people want to see two or three players moved for a fresh re-tool... and some what a complete rebuild.

I think there is still going to be difficulties in moving big contract players and if we can do so, the return could be underwhelming. I'm not too optimistic about the upcoming off season.

[Stanley]

It's really a toss up b/n Gaudreau or Monahan for me.

Johnny moreso because of his contract status and upcoming NMC...

Mony because I think Johnny is the offensive catalyst with or without him and Sean doesn't bring much jam in his game regardless...

[Northendzone]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Sean Monahan is the absolute slam dunk answer here. Get something for him now before his value really craters.

i think it is about two years too late for this. Monahan would be a second line C on about 70% (or more) of the teams in the league.

Maybe a likely trade partner is one of other bottom feeders and it would be a swap of underperformers in hopes that they both find their games again

but what do i know, i am not an NHL GM

[SportsJunky]

Calgary has to find a way to get an elite C. Treliving should trade any player that helps him get that guy. Whether it is lottery picks or through acquisition (Eichel). Forget needing a RW, imo Calgary won't win anything until they address the C position.

You look at a team like Edmonton that rolls out McDavid and then when he finally gets off the ice, here comes Drai. Toronto can do it, too. Calgary needs an elite #1 C and then they can roll out Lindholm with the 2nd line.

I don't envy Treliving with this task but he has to find a way. Move your most valuable pieces if you must but get that center.

[CSharp]

To get Eichel as a Flames - trade as many as needed in a blockbuster deal. I'm hoping Flames can still have Tkachuk since the Flames need grit and size. Tkachuk does provide that with skill. He's had a terrible year, but I'm sure he'll bounce back. As for Gio, he's still better than all of the young guys on D and still better than most of the veteran on the Flames. So, if the Flames can't get anyone decent for return, might as well keep him. I actually don't mind Gio retiring as a Flames. He's earned it and I'd hate it if Francis will start to hound Gio on when his retirement will be.

[GioforPM]

A lot of people attack Monahan or Gaudreau or Tkachuk on other threads because they think doing so somehow elevates or takes attention away from their preferred guy. you see a lot of Gaudreau fans focusing on Monahan and vice versa. I don't see it that way myself.

As to this topic, it's getting complex. Play-wise, Gaudreau is improved in his last few games with Lindholm. They seem to be finding their rhythm more, including Tkachuk. I thought Monahan with Mangiapane and Dube got off to a great start but now, with Ritchie, they've dried right up.

OTOH, Tkachuk's QO and Johnny's NTC complicate things a lot. If you're going to lose Gaudreau, you need to move him. You can (IMO) overpay Tkachuk by qualifying him to see if you can get more value out of him later. And then there's Backlund, who gets paid a tad much for what he brings and he's getting older and less effective.

[zamler]

How is this a toss up? Team is weak as heck down the middle Monahan needs to be gone even if short term the team gets worse.

[direwolf]

Monahan.

If the team wants to score any goals whatsoever next season, you absolutely need to keep guys like Gaudreau and Lindholm. The kind of skill that those two have doesn't come around often.

[the_only_turek_fan]

Originally Posted by transplant99

I think it has to be Gaudreau....unless he signs an extension before the draft.

Personally i dont believe you can expect great success with him as the main guy. He is a tremendous offensive talent, but thats it with him. He cant help the club when he isnt scoring. Then you add in he will be seeing a NTC kicking in at the start of the league year, he can walk for nothing at next seasons end, and his price tag now....he has to be the one.

Obviously one, or two, will be gonzo, but as far as asset management goes it just has to be JG unless he agrees to that extension.

Sure you can move him but then what?

The team is going to be worst IMO.

[Vinny01]

I think it just has to be Gaudreau. He is a player you cannot lose for nothing and he is coming up on his last year before becoming a UFA. The Flames can’t officially sign Johnny until his NTC kicks in but the hope is either a deal is negotiated or more likely a trade needs to be explored.

Unless Johnny has a level of loyalty to this organization that I am underestimating I am positive he is not interested playing Sutter style, on a middling/rebuilding team in Western Canada when he can get as much or more money to play closer to friends and family on a better team. There will be 5-6 teams in the NEUS where he can consider playing.

Gio is either staying or getting claimed by Seattle and he probably re-signs unless this team goes full rebuild.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by zamler

How is this a toss up? Team is weak as heck down the middle Monahan needs to be gone even if short term the team gets worse.

Several factors
- Contract status
- Relative value you can get for the player
- Current production

What does trading Monahan solve if you don't something decent back for him?

[zamler]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

Several factors
- Contract status
- Relative value you can get for the player
- Current production

What does trading Monahan solve if you don't something decent back for him?

You think his value is going to go up a year or 2 from now?

[dammage79]

Gaudreau. He is elite at only 1 aspect of the game and a complete liability in the rest of it. Factor in the expiring contract, NTC. For me it's easy.

I wish I could paint a proper, well thought out and presented picture of how I view Gaudreau vs. the other core players and why I'd see him moved 1st but honestly, I cannot.

I believe that despite Johnny being able to produce, the rest of his time on the ice makes the team far worse.

If Johnny stays here, signs long term even. That's a commitment that signifies he is the man. He drives the bus. And I don't think that's the answer. Plain and simple. I don't think you sign that commitment because I don't think he can give the team what it needs in the long run.

There's a lot wrong with this team. A lot. But Johnny is responsible for an equal portion of what is wrong.

He's a risk/reward player and IMO, there's so much more risk than reward.

[Stanley]

Honestly if you can swing a deal(s) and get a real good return you trade both...

...but if I have to choose just ONE, I keep Gaudreau and trade Monahan. Johnny can still be a game-changer especially on a line with Lindy and Chuck

[Joborule]

Monahan would be my choice in a retool scenario where you're still trying to be competitive again in a short window. I don't believe he's a player that can make his linemates better, and have a strong impact in the game anymore be his doing. Even as a #2C, I think he would be weak in that role. I view him as a complimentary player at best that can be effective if he has a physically strong playmaker/scorer on his wing. So other teams could get value out of him still.

[SeanCharles]

How is the answer not Backlund or Gio?

- two longest serving members on team
- two leaders on the team with letters
- oldest dman and 2nd oldest forward on team with term (Lucic isn’t going anywhere so not much to do about the oldest by 9 months)
- higher cap hit contracts
- both have value around the league and it may be wise to cash in before their play falls off (more so for Backs as Gio only has 1 year left)

The changes in the core should start with these two IMO and I personally lean more towards Backlund because if we keep Gio we can trade him at the trade deadline for a good haul.