Sometimes numbered thoughts are the way to go. "Fire Starter" will be a segment used to express thoughts regarding a particular topic or related subjects. They will serve as quick hitters, providing a variety of information in a consumable fashion.

Gaudreau Trade Thoughts

1. Today, The Athletic put together a fun piece discussing star players that could be involved in blockbuster trades this offseason. Along with other team beat writers, Scott Burnside identified five players with a high possibility of getting traded, and of course, Johnny Gaudreau was among the players on the list.

Both Burnside and Hailey Salvian took a deep dive into the Gaudreau situation, discussing possible reasons for a trade, potential destinations, expected returns, and final predictions. I am not going to delve into all they had to say, but it did get me to produce some thoughts of my own.

2. First, the clock is really ticking if the Flames do indeed want to trade their star winger. Yes, Calgary could technically trade him at any time. However, Gaudreau's limited no-trade clause kicks in on July 28th, allowing him to identify five teams he'd accept a trade to. Before that, Brad Treliving can trade him anywhere. Obviously, the more options, the better if the team wants to maximize the return.

With it already being July 7th, the clock is ticking.

3. I am interested in what the Flames expect to receive in return for trading Johnny Gaudreau. All signs point to Calgary enacting more of a retool instead of a rebuild. They want to compete next season, not tear it all down. Still, Treliving could go multiple ways with desired assets he'd hope to receive in a Gaudreau trade.

The obvious move would be to obtain pieces that could help the team win now. Salvian and Burnside pitch potential deals with Philadelphia that could bring in a player such as Travis Konecny or Shayne Gostisbehere. Personally, I think the Gaudreau to Philadelphia thing gets a little overworked these days, but these are interesting pieces going Calgary's way. If I'm Treliving, I'm accepting a dealing including Konecny in a heartbeat. The Flames would receive a talented young winger with years remaining on his contract at a reasonable price. However, if we are talking Gostisbehere, there better be something else coming the team's way.

The potential trade with the Flyers is just one scenario, but I think that there are a few trade opportunities where the Flames can get current quality players in return.

At the same time, Calgary could also look to free up the cap space and gather future assets. Hypothetically, Treliving could trade Gaudreau to another team, clear the $6.75 million, get some picks and prospects, and then look to the free-agent market for improvements. The issue with this approach is I'm not convinced there is a realistic option out there better than Gaudreau.

4. So that brings up the big question. Why trade Gaudreau at all?

To my understanding, he has demonstrated interest in remaining with the franchise. Even if the team cannot get a deal done immediately, doesn't it make more sense to hold onto him and see how the season pans out? If they cannot get an extension done and the team looks like they are putting together another clunker of a season, I'm sure Calgary could still bring back a decent enough hall in a deadline trade involving Gaudreau.

To me, the Flames should only trade Gaudreau if they are rebuilding or positive they cannot re-sign him. As of right now, neither of those scenarios appear to be the case. Though I expect Calgary to be active both in the trade market and free agency, I think Gaudreau remains with the team to start the next season.

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