THN.com/podcast. From THN American Pipeline: 2023 NHL Draft Prospects to Watch from NCAA to High School Tyler Toffoli and Elias Lindholm [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk4OTM4NTM0MzQ4ODU4NzMx/usatsi_20338131.jpg] Tyler Toffoli and Elias Lindholm The Calgary Flames made significant off-season changes in the front office and behind the bench. With the NHL draft on June 28 and 29 and the free agent market opening on July 1, the focus has shifted to the roster. Core players such as defenseman Noah Hanifin and forwards Elias Lindholm, Mikael Backlund and Tyler Toffoli are a year away from UFA eligibility. Their futures have been the subject of speculation [https://thehockeynews.com/news/brad-trelivings-departure-adds-intrigue-to-flames-off-season] since the Flames' season ended in April. Hanifin, 26, was already the subject of speculation [https://thehockeynews.com/news/calgary-flames-could-be-shopping-noah-hanifin] earlier this month following reports the Flames were entertaining trade offers. Meanwhile, uncertainty abounded over whether Lindholm, Backlund and Toffoli would sign contract extensions. Lindholm's contract situation seemed the most crucial. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/rumour-roundup-will-ducks-surprise-with-no-2-pick-at-nhl-draft/] believed the fate of the others rested on the 28-year-old center's decision. Entering this week, it seems all four could be on their way out. Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli [https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/calgary-flames-lindholm-hanifin-and-backlund-all-potentially-not-re-signing] reported Lindholm and Backlund were leaning against signing contract extensions while Hanifin informed management he was not re-signing. Seravalli [https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/tyler-toffoli-doesnt-intend-on-re-signing-with-calgary-flames] subsequently reported Toffoli also didn't intend to sign, with TSN's Chris Johnston [https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/flames-veteran-tyler-toffoli-looking-for-trade-out-of-calgary-1.1976439] indicating the 31-year-old winger is open to a trade. With the draft fast approaching, Flames GM Craig Conroy could attempt to move at least one or two of them this week. With all four signed for next season, however, he doesn't have to make any hasty decisions. Conroy can afford to be patient. This summer's shallow pool of unrestricted free agents could make those four Flames more enticing to playoff contenders in the trade market.
