Flames On Brink Of Heading In New Direction

The Calgary Flames have been trying to lock up their core for a while now, and the only success they've had is re-signing Mikael Backlund. The team traded Tyler Toffoli and have yet to sign pending UFAs Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin, Nikita Zadorov, or Chris Tanev. That isn't about to change anytime soon.

As reported by Sportsnet, the Flames have put contract talks on hold with everyone. This includes Hanifin who was getting closer to a new deal, and Lindholm, who has been the team's top priority. The season is headed towards a potential write-off already as the Flames have lost five in a row and are second last in the league with a record of 2-6-1.

From a managerial standpoint, the Flames can't continue to do the same thing they have been and failing. This won't be a complete teardown of the team considering there are some unmovable contracts, but it should see a change in any movable players that aren't locked in for more than three years and aren't playing at a level expected of them.

The Flames are already fighting an uphill battle and if they are going to get a different look and assets back, they have to think about moving the aforementioned players and ready themselves for next season sooner than later. This won't be a short and easy process.