Eric Francis joined Sportsnet’s Big Show with Rusic and Rose podcast and provided updates on some of the Calgary Flames’ biggest extension rumors. Francis shared, most notably, that the return to training camp has provided top center Elias Lindholm with a newfound energy to get a deal done. This increased motivation was also seen in negotiations with Mikael Backlund, who recently signed a contract extension and received the team’s captaincy. Francis shared that the new excitement could see Lindholm signing an extension as soon as the start of the regular season.
However, Francis didn’t share that optimism on Noah Hanifin’s looming contract extension. He shared with the Sportsnet crew that Hanifin is close friends with Matthew Tkachuk – his former teammate with the USNTDP and the Flames – who left Calgary for an exciting life in Florida. Francis said that Hanifin is drawn by the idea of moving to America as a result, drawing a line in the sand for talks of a new deal in Calgary.
These updates could leave Calgary with a locked-in top-line center, but without their top defender, entering the 2024-25 campaign. Their ability to replace Hanifin will likely depend on how much Lindholm demands on a new deal, with Francis sharing that he may be able to receive a salary around, or above, $9MM on the open market. A discount may be needed to keep him with a Flames lineup that currently has 11 players set to become free agents next summer, although Lindholm is still sure to get a significant raise from his current $4.85MM cap hit. The Flames are currently projected to have $30.95MM in cap space next summer, with notable players like Lindholm, Hanifin, Chris Tanev, and Nikita Zadorov all needing new deals. What space they can find in that budget to add new talents to the roster will be worth monitoring.
I love how some of these write ups create even more drama then needed. Hanifin is NOT the Flames top defenceman, if anything he is a very good #3 (on any good team). He’s a great skater and can play minutes, but his hockey IQ is not the greatest. I agree that it would be tough to replace that kind of experience at such a young age, but he is replaceable.
Andersson and Weegar are considered above Hani on the Flames and for good reason.
Gretzky played for four NHL teams, Everybody is replaceable.
Paying Lindholm $9m + would not be advisable unless the cap was rising by $5m next year. The Flames would be better served in flipping both Hanifin & Lindy for younger players and picks – Lindholm to Boston for Lysell, Lohrei & a 2nd