Quoting: Dr_Invictus
I dunno, it would seem difficult to replace Reinhart at 2C. Lindell seems like a 3C. Then again, I haven't looked at the FA market for next year. Although, the biggest mistakes are made July 1st. Signing anyone over 28 to a long-term deal is foolish. The contracts end poorly (as Calgary will find out). Calgary isn't close to contention IMO and they need a solid pick in this draft to restock the cupboards. My guess is that prices will be lower than anticipated this TD day. As you said, the cap is tight and could be only increasing by 1MM next year
I think the Flames are pretty stuck right now, TBH. Worrying about draft picks and restocking the prospect cupboards isn't really a realistic option.
You can't suck and blow at the same time---the moves Treliving made this summer (trading 24 year old Tkachuk for two 29 year olds and giving them huge extensions, signing a 32 year old Kadri to a huge contract, trading a 1st round pick just to dump Monahan's salary etc.) already solidified the "win now" direction the Flames would be pursuing. You can't really hit the undo button on those---and the future has already been mortgaged.
Even though they look like garbage right now, you kind of have to be at least willing to move your picks and prospects because they aren't likely going to help you win in this limited contention window the Flames have carved out for themselves. Next year, the extensions for Huberdeau, Weegar and Vladar kick in. The year after, Lindholm, Hanifin, Toffoli, Backlund, Tanev, Kylington, Zadorov are all UFAs. Dube, Pelletier, Ruzicka all RFAs needing raises.
There really isn't a bright future for this Flames group as currently constructed. You can try and spend assets to fix your problems and double down on the "win now" strategy the GM already chose. Maybe you can try and undo some of the damage already done and start looking at a new contention window. But sitting back and doing nothing this year really doesn't seem like a viable option to me if you want to avoid just wasting years.