The main benefit of selling off players on expiring contacts at this year’s trade deadline is simple: additional picks and/or prospects in the system. It also allows something else to happen, which might be just as important in the immediacy for frustrated Flames fans. By moving roster players out, it clears space in the lineup for some of Calgary’s top prospects to finish the season in the NHL.
Opening the door
Everything I’m led to believe suggests the Flames will actively try to move out their pending UFAs prior to Monday’s deadline. How successful they’ll be is another question, though.