The pick and prospect may seem underwhelming at first but Flames rebuild and re-signings will ultimately determine value

Salary retention. A second-round pick instead of a first. A conditional draft asset that only cashes if the Dallas Stars make the Stanley Cup Final. At first glance, it might be easy to find disappointment in the ultimate return as the Calgary Flames parted with defenceman Chris Tanev on Wednesday.

The Flames are eating half of Tanev’s remaining salary this season before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. They get a third rounder in 2026 if the Stars win the Western Conference, which could happen but isn’t something being heavily bet on with all the heavyweights in contention.

Tanev will give the Stars a better shot at it. And as much as many Flames fans would love to see the rugged rearguard be successful, not many are going to be overly excited about what this all means for the Calgary franchise. 

However, the Flames were holding out for a first rounder that may not have come, and in the end decided the combination of pick (2nd) and prospect (Artem Grushnikov) was enough enticement to part ways with their third pending UFA this season. 

Grushnikov is a first-year pro with pedestrian offensive numbers, but the former second-rounder provides overall upside for development in a system that will soon be forced to promote more young players into larger roles across the organization.

For now, the team attempts to stay competitive on the ice while management tries to maximize a return on assets they can’t re-sign.

Next on that list is another blueliner in Noah Hanifin, who is younger and more offensively gifted than Tanev, and should bring an even bigger haul back.

More of the sting of losing Tanev, a team and fan favourite for the gritty, selfless way he sacrifices for the squad, could be taken away if the Calgary Flames somehow find a way to sign him again this summer.

Again, not something to bet on; but never say never. The Flames could use the veteran leader after parting ways with a few this season.