Flames’ future remains clouded as key pieces stay noncommittal to re-signing

CALGARY – Elias Lindholm didn’t seem overly interested in trying to convince anyone he might re-sign with the Calgary Flames.

Noah Hanifin was equally as non-committal as Mikael Backlund was a day earlier.

All three arrived at the team’s annual golf tourney on Wednesday, praised the city, the organization and their teammates, and insisted they were excited to start the season.

Their collective message when asked if they’d prolong their stay in Calgary past this season: “We’ll see what happens.”

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If it sounded an awful lot like the same script Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk read months before they bolted. And it’s because with such a delicate subject, there’s really only one way to answer the media’s leading questions.

By playing along.

Everyone wants to know if there’s still a chance they’ll commit long-term or if GM Craig Conroy will ultimately have to deal them by the deadline.

Optimists will suggest they left that door open.

Pessimists remind everyone how sour Lindholm and Backlund were on returning as they excited Cowtown last spring, and of the summertime reports Hanifin had decided he wouldn’t re-sign.

Granted, the coach they disliked playing for is gone, as is the bad taste they left with.

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It’s time for a fresh new start with a team almost entirely intact from last season.

Whether such stagnancy is for better or worse is what holds the hockey world’s curiosity.

Which brings us to the most prominent question being asked by casual observers all summer long: “Why does everyone want out?”

The question is understandable given how stunned fans were by the rejections from Gaudreau and Tkachuk.

Thing is, there’s a big difference between wanting out of a city, and simply choosing not to re-sign there.

Of the six core lads with one year left on their deals, only one asked to be traded – Tyler Toffoli.

He was quickly accommodated.

The other six, which includes Nikita Zadorov, Oliver Kylington and Chris Tanev, are still here and happy to play this out, whatever that means.

“They haven’t said to me, ‘they want to be traded,’ or, ‘I don’t want to be here,’” said Conroy, who exhibited significant patience all summer.

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“You always want to get guys done and locked in, but I think after last year they want to see where the team is going and what’s happening, what it’s like with (new coach) Ryan (Huska), what it’s like with myself.

“I understand that, I was a player too.

“I understand this is something they’ve earned, so they don’t have to rush, and at some point, I may have to make some hard decisions.”

Clearly, a blazing start is what’s needed for several to even consider staying, convincing the lads this organization is still moving in a good direction.

Even then, the allure of chasing greener (warmer) pastures will likely prompt several to bolt either way.

A horrific start could speed up the process.

In Lindholm’s case, he’s surely more than comfortable knowing that no matter where he signs next season his salary will likely start with a nine.

The fact is, with 22 goals last season, the organization is fully cognisant of the dangers of signing a 28-year-old to an eight-year deal worth that much without knowing how much higher the salary cap will be.

Both sides need to see an extension as a win-win, making this a tricky negotiation.

With a team desperately in need of helping Jonathan Huberdeau return to form, losing the team’s top centre is a daunting proposition.

“I’ve been pretty clear I’m willing to stay,” said Lindholm, apparently already tired of the narrative that will follow him until his future is determined, as his body language and short answers offered none of the positive signs fans hoped he’d exhibit.

“That’s about it. Right now I’m focusing on the season and the rest will take care of itself.”

Despite reports that Hanifin is determined to play in the U.S. next season, the Boston native insisted he’s open-minded.

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“There’s lots to digest last summer, after the year we had not making the playoffs and expectations on the team, so for me I just want to see how this year played out a little bit and take my time,” said the 26-year-old defenceman.

“It’s about focusing on the now, having a good camp, coming out and having a good start as a team and winning some hockey games.

“It’s a great group of guys, great organization, so many great people here, I love this city, so I’m just excited to see how it plays out.”

So is everyone else.

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