3 Calgary Flames Not Expected Back in 2023-24

The Calgary Flames are going to be in tough to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season. They are currently in a tight playoff race, from the outside looking in at the moment and should they miss the postseason, or even if they sneak in, expect to see some changes coming this summer. Here's three Flames not expected to be in the 2023-24 lineup:

Milan Lucic

Trade talks actually picked up before the March 3 deadline this season on Milan Lucic as the Boston Bruins circled back to see what the Flames wanted for their pending free-agent forward. Lucic, at 35 years old, hits the open market this summer and will be looking to sign one more contract before retiring. He'll have to settle for much less than the $6 million he's making against the cap this season. Back to Boston, one a two-year league minimum deal could be in the works this offseason.

Troy Stecher

The freshly acquired defenseman is likely just a rental at this point. Stecher is 28 years old and in four games has recorded one assist. It will take quite the impression to be left these next few weeks for GM Brad Treliving to consider an extension, considering there's already Chris Tanev, Rasmus Andersson and MacKenzie Weegar who can all play the right side. Calgary only has 18 players signed for next season and have just $1.6 million in cap space to work with at the moment. Something's gotta give.

Jacob Markstrom

With Dan Vladar signed to an extension at a much cheaper rate, look for Treliving to explore the trade market on goaltender Jacob Markstrom this summer. The 33-year-old has a full no-movement clause so of course, will have all the say in the matter. Markstrom's numbers have steadily declined these past couple of seasons and there is expectation the goalie market could heat up this summer. 

Photo credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports