They may as well trade Tkachuk and Lindholn too.

If they were to tank they need to completely commit to it

Don’t you rebuild around chucky? Create a team with the same bite and identity he has and incorporate a good supporting cast around him that’s younger?

You never trade Tkachuk. He’s 23 years old.

And CGY ownership will never stand for a full rebuild. What will happen is Treliving will trade Gaudreau and Monahan and target some actual roster pieces and picks and try to do the retool. It’s the last shot he has at keeping his job. He’s on his 5th coach after all. Ownership won’t keep him around to do a rebuild on the roster he stubbornly held on too long with; it’s a retool or a retire for Treliving and he knows it.

The issue would be he's two years away from UFA, why would he want to sign long-term if the team is going to tank?

You're right, they won't actually rebuild and it will be more of the same. Hovering around 6th-10th in the Western Conference on an annual basis. All ownership is fine with just simply making the playoffs.

I also think Flames fans need to be prepared for underwhelming returns for Gaudreau and Monahan. In particular, Monahan.