The core is changing

Niederreiter is not signing for $2.5m

Tarasenko is not going to Calgary

Tkachuk is not signing for only $9 and probably costs Kyrou plus

Costs more than a 5th to get rid of Scandella

Other than that - ok

I agree with you this trade does not make sense, and I think Tkachuk should cost a ton, but it might not play out like that. If Tkachuk does not show any level of commitment to the flames- maybe he just signs his QO-and the player indicates to the trade teams that he will test free agency, what team is going to pay a high-end price? I could see a 1st and prospect for him as a rental for a contender, especially if flames retain. But I don't think it will be more than that.

Doubt it costs Kyrou. Teams just don’t have that much leverage over RFA’s that can walk right to UFA (Buch, Reinhart, Fiala, even Debrincat.) Still will be a haul

If the Blues do get Tkachuk, they won’t be able afford him, Kyrou, and ROR the following season. I’d prefer ROR over Kyrou and do not think Kyrou is worth anything close to want Thomas just signed for. If there’s any hint that Tkachuk is available, they need to strike now. I highly doubt they win his services if he goes to UFA as he’ll get offered the moon. Cap will also start to escalate quickly after next 2 seasons so could be even higher. He’ll be a 25 year old with 100 point seasons on his ledger and plays with an edge. He will probably sign the biggest ufa deal ever until Matthews decides he’s had enough in Tor the following season. I think he would sign here long term if traded for him first tho at around $10m. I could be wrong but opportunities like this don’t really happen for the Blues…

Well he’s not getting to UFA. Calgary can’t go down that road again. You’re right though, it’s extraordinarily tough to sign both Kyrou/Tkachuk/ROR. That’s probably one of the reasons Krug’s name came up. I just made a team going through next year if you wanna check it out.