The Flames are coming to crossroads; the Gaudreau contract expires at the end of this season. The major roadblock is that Gaudreau does not want contracts negotiations to continue during the season. If that persists, there has to be a point where the Flames have to address the Gaudreau contract talks.
The way I see it, they have three options.
(1) Keep Gaudreau and have a chance to lose him for nothing.
(2) Trade Gaudreau for a rebuild and collect as many assets as you can get.
(3) Ask Gaudreau to reopen the negotiations and pay the man.
I have changed my opinion on the Gaudreau situation. Previously, I was all for a Gaudreau trade. But with the way he has been playing, I would love the Flames to re-sign him.
So, I choose number three. But I am not sure Gaudreau wants to discuss the contract until the off-season. If he refuses, then the Flames have to use one of the first two options. Whether the Flames are close to a playoff or fading will shape which option the Flames will take.
Crossroad #2 Oliver Kylington
Oliver has been on a roll of late. Oliver is on a career year right in time for his RFA. Oliver has been the story of the year so far. I love the way he plays. He is becoming a very good young dman. He picks the right times to pitch in and speed to the offence. If he continues to play as he has, the Flames may have to shed some coin to re-sign the soon-to-be RFA.
Crossroad #3 Juuso Välimäki
Juuso came out with some not-so-complimentary comments about not playing lately. Jusso has been in out for ten games in a row. Either he is not very good, or he is stubborn and is unwilling to change his play. Or maybe the coaches have not been clear enough about what is expected of him.
What is clear is that the Juuso situation has come to a head. How will the Flames handle it? I predict his days are numbered.
Crossroad #4 Darth Vladar
Vladar has proven his worth as an NHL-caliber goalie. His play of late has been outstanding. In the game in Toronto, Vladar stole the point, making save after save. Russ Cohen @sportsology on Twitter said something along the lines of, "The Flames don't drop a beat with Vladar in the net." Strong praise considering how well Markstrom has played this season.
The Flames are coming to several crossroads. It will be interesting to watch which forks in the road they will take.
Randy
