Preferably, Flames should try re-signing Gaudreau before his modified-NTC kicks in.

A contract offer similar to what James Van Riemsdyk got with the Flyers could convince him to stay in Calgary.

That means Gaudreau will likely have to be offered 7 million x 5.

If not, he's traded to any team that would overpay for a top 6 LW because they desperately need to stay in contention.

Many teams have done it before and it will happen again.

This is the Calgary Flames player I believe Seattle will take in expansion.

Here are the most pressing positional needs Calgary should address at the right opportunity. #1 is most important while #3 is least important.

1. A 1st line or 2nd line RW that shoots right and is either a power forward or can score goals in bunches.

2. A mobile, shifty and fast-skating LW that shoots left, has an offensive flair in his game and can play with pace. He needs to be able to put up points and play on the 1st or 2nd line. This need will become more important if Johnny Gaudreau is going to sign with another team or be traded next year.

3. A top 4 LD that shoots left and has the potential to be a team leader. This need will become more important if Mark Giordano is going to be taken by Seattle.

This is the first group of players Calgary needs to consider with their 1st round pick if any of them are available:

1. Dylan Guenther (RW) Edmonton Oil Kings

2. Fabian Lysell (LW/RW) Lulea

3. William Eklund (LW) Djurgardens

4. Luke Hughes (LD) University of Michigan

5. Owen Power (LD) University of Michigan

6. Simon Edvinsson (LD) Frolunda

This is the second group of players Calgary needs to consider with their 1st round pick if any of them are available:

1. Simon Robertsson (RW) Skellefteå

2. Oskar Olausson (LW/RW) HV71

3. Matthew Samoskevich (RW) Chicago Steel

4. Matthew Coronato (LW) Chicago Steel

5. Chaz Lucius (Centre/Winger who shoots right) USNTDP

6. Xavier Bourgault (Centre/Winger who shoots right) Shawinigan

If most of these players are still available when it's Calgary's turn to pick, then the Flames should trade down.