Folks, it’s way too hot out.

As we all try to stay cool and hydrated, let’s continue to get ready for the expansion and entry draft and free agency with the mailbag!

Let’s go with 2.5. With Brad Treliving as general manager I’ll never say never, but I’m not sure if the Flames have a critical mass of alluring, movable assets that they can put into a package for Jack Eichel.

There are three really nice goal-scorers that could be available at 12th overall: Mason McTavish (Peterborough), Cole Sillinger (Medicine Hat) and Chaz Lucius (U.S. National Development Program). All three have had a ton of success in junior, all three have excellent, accurate shots and a nose for the net. If you’re looking for pure goal-scorers, that trio are probably the place to be focusing.

It hasn’t been mentioned in any of the main public-facing NHL documents but based on how the NHL has done things in the past, the punishment is probably a small fine or a forfeited late draft pick. But through the various expansion drafts of the modern era, no team has whiffed on meeting exposure requirements so we’re really just guessing here.

Back in 2017, Treliving traded for Mike Smith before the expansion draft and then traded for Travis Hamonic at the entry draft. So… perhaps both? If there’s a big move involving the team’s core group, it probably happens before expansion given the potential impacts on the protection list.

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