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Flames Rumours: Resolution With Top Star Could Come Very Soon

By Nathan Smith

VANCOUVER, CANADA - MARCH 31: Elias Lindholm #28 of the Calgary Flames skates up ice during the first period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on March 31, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, CANADA - MARCH 31: Elias Lindholm #28 of the Calgary Flames skates up ice during the first period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on March 31, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images) /
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The Calgary Flames were the least active team in the NHL on the first day of free agency, with absolutely 0 moves made (that’s not a negative, as we have seen some bad days from them in recent off-seasons), and perhaps the biggest reason for this is both the salary cap and the situation surrounding top centre Elias Lindholm.

The team have reportedly offered Lindholm a long-term deal, and are now awaiting his decision, with the future direction of the entire franchise hanging on the shoulders of No. 28, but according to a recent report, we may not have to wait too much longer. There is now chatter circulating online that the five-year Flame could make a decision by the end of the coming week, and while the team would like a decision sooner so they can begin trade talks or begin looking at free agents, it appears things are about to get hot for Calgary.

After moving on from Tyler Toffoli, the Flames could trigger a massive change on this roster if they were to move on from Lindholm, and while many fans would enjoy seeing them make a move, rather than pay someone else well into their 30’s, it’s clear that the new front office, led by General Manager Craig Conroy, believe in him as their 1C going forward. This is a team in desperate need of salary cap relief and direction, so this could be the biggest decision this franchise faces for years to come, so keep your eyes glued for an ultimate decision by Lindholm over the next few days.

So what do you think? Should the Flames be allowing Elias to hold their franchise plans hostage while he makes his decision? Should Calgary look to move him regardless? What do you think is the end result of all this? As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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