Updates Continue on Flames' Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin

The Calgary Flames' Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin have been in the NHL rumor mill all summer, but a strong season could seal the deal for them to stay.

The Calgary Flames are approaching training camp with six key players - forwards Elias Lindholm and Mikael Backlund and defensemen Noah Hanifin, Oliver Kylington, Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov - slated to become UFAs next July.

Lindholm and Hanifin have garnered the most attention in the off-season rumor mill. There was some clarity earlier this week regarding their respective situations as the pair took part in the Flames annual charity golf tournament.

The Calgary Sun's Wes Gilbertson reported Lindholm didn't have much to say to reporters about his contract status. 

“I've made it pretty clear that I want to stay,” he told reporters. “That's about it.” Gilbertson felt the 28-year-old center was in a “bristly mood” about the subject. However, TSN's Salim Valji felt Lindholm sounded more “open and optimistic” about his future in Calgary compared to the end of last season.

Some observers speculate it could cost the Flames around $9 million annually to re-sign Lindholm to a long-term deal. Gilbertson thinks he'll get a “max term, big-bucks contract,” but his colleague Daniel Austin believes the Flames will shop Lindholm by the March 8 trade deadline if he's not under contract by then.

Hanifin, meanwhile, cleared the air regarding his reported unwillingness to sign a contract extension over the summer.

Gilbertson and Valji reported the 26-year-old defenseman told management he needed time to deal with last season's disappointing outcome. He hasn't closed the door on a new contract with the Flames, but he's putting his current focus on preparing for the upcoming season. 

Lindholm and Hanifin appear to be taking a “wait-and-see” approach to the season. If the Flames bounce back with a strong performance, it could sway one or both into staying in Calgary for the long term.