I'm not sure if this would work for Boston or not but Calgary can get a return as good or better for Backlund and Hanifin at the trade deadline without having to retain salary for the entire year. It's too bad Boston doesn't have any 1st or 2nd round picks for a few years, a pick replacing one of the prospects would likely be preferable for both teams.

Boston would prefer to move Debrusk instead of Carlo but about the last thing Calgary needs is yet another left shot LW.

Calgary does it because they get a RD to replace Tanev who they can trade elsewhere, a LD prospect who's close to NHL ready and a right shot forward prospect which is something they need more of in the system.

Don't see Flames going for this trade. A second pairing defenceman and two 2nd round picks for a Selke candidate and a 1st pairing defenceman in his prime. Plus the pleasure of retaining 50% of salary.

IMO both prospects have progressed nicely since they were drafted and are worth more now than the picks they were taken with. Especially Lohrei. The retention isn't a huge deal since we'll get both players full cap hit back next year and Carlo lets us trade Tanev for more cap space this year too. The Flames get younger, move 2 of the pending UFAs, clear the way to trade a 3rd pending UFA and gain some cap space to play.

It's quite possible that with Hanifin gone Lohrei could earn a spot on the NHL roster as the 3rd LD this year too.

I get the premise here, but I would think CGY would be able to get a better overall return at the TDL if they are not planning on bringing them back or can't resign them