3rd for Vladar

Higher? Lower? Either way, Vladar is getting moved. He's not a bad target

I like

Should be fine next season but beyond that is scary. Lindholm and Backlund both sound like they won't be returning.

Lot's of potential turn over, depleted draft capital, and a core of +30 players on expensive long term deals.

The windows closing pretty quick in Calgary if we don't hit on some of our young guys.

Lindholm, Backlund, Hanifin, and Toffoli can be moved to recoup a ton of futures. Turnaround could be pretty quick if you hit on the return assets and also have some older experienced guys kicking around.

Based on what? The exit interviews?
1. They never said anything like that
2. that was before the Sutter firing
3. It was fresh off the season ending, frustration is at it's max
4. It has been reported that players have rescinded any trade requests after the Sutter firing

I agree that if you run in back they should be a good playoff team.

But there are a few concerns that require a bit more context.

1. Lack of elite talent and no top players in their positions. Huberdeau was that, but theres concern because he's had the biggest point drop-off in NHL history and looked far from elite last season. Some guys like lindy and rasmus are good and probably top 15-25 league wide of their respective positions, but not truly elite.

2. Contracts and age. Alot of big money contracts that are just starting, tied up to players well into their mid to late 30s.

3. 7 UFAs next season in key positions most prominently lindholm, our 1c. His exit interview responses about re-signing were very cold. If lindy walks do you try and run it back, with kadri as your 1c? Alternatively you sign him, but then you have 6~ guys signed well into their mid to late 30s, with a core that's had limited success.

Calgary is in a really weird spot given the aging core and huge mix of big contracts and key UFAs.

Well Yzerman already gave up a 3rd for both Husso and Nedeljkovic. Might as well make it 3 for 3 for Daniel Vlader.

Yeah but losing and replacing a 1C like Lindholm, within Huberdeau and Kadri's window, is gonna be tough.

Backlund seemed pretty non comital going back to the charity poker tournament, Lindholm Im just basing off exit interviews.

IF the rooms already toxic, IF guys are already thinking of leaving, does changing the coach actually convince them to stay?

If the coach is the problem yes. Reports going around now are that Backlund wants to be captain

Supposedly those were rescinded after Sutter was fired. You're right though, Calgary should recoup assets on UFAs and reload at the draft. They should have done that at the trade deadline, but Calgary never sells, rebuilds or manages assets beyond a 3 week horizon.

Ryan Reynolds needs to buy this franchise.