Calgary Flames Could Have a Different Look in 2022-23
Speculation over the Calgary Flames' offseason plans began soon after their second-round elimination by the Edmonton Oilers.
Whatever moves general manager Brad Treliving makes regarding Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk will affect what their roster looks like next season.
Gaudreau, 28, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in July and due for a big raise following his career-best 115-point performance. Meanwhile, the 24-year-old Matthew Tkachuk is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights who's a year away from UFA eligibility.
Both players appear willing to stay put. Gaudreau told the Calgary media how much he loves living and playing in the Stampede City while Tkachuk is open to inking a long-term deal.
Gaudreau won't lack suitors if he hits the free-agent market.
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Giana Han wondered if the Flyers could woo the South Jersey native who grew up a fan of the team. NYI Hockey Now's Stefan Rosner believes the New York Islanders should make a pitch for Gaudreau to bolster their offense.
Treliving remains keen to keep Gaudreau and Tkachuk in the fold but it could cost a combined $20-million annually on long-term deals, biting deeply into their cap space. Cap Friendly indicates the Flames have $55.575 million invested in 12 players for 2022-23.
The Flames GM would be forced to shed some salary to free up cap space to sign RFA winger Andrew Mangiapane and shore up his blueline. The Athletic's Hailey Salvian suggested Milan Lucic or Mikael Backlund as cost-cutting options but both carry modified no-trade clauses.
Sean Monahan has also been mentioned as a trade candidate. However, his season-ending hip surgery, $6.35-million cap hit for next season, and a 10-team no-trade clause makes him tough to move.
