Like the players they employ, NHL executives get paid by performance, and Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving is owed some financial security.
Treliving is the only GM in the league without a contract for next season, and while the focus in Calgary has suddenly shifted into a race for home ice in the Pacific Division playoffs, an extension for the 47-year-old is a must for the Flames this summer.
Since his tenure begun in 2014, Treliving has built a strong roster short of any cap-restricting contracts, and his club is on the verge of reaching the postseason for the second time in three seasons.
His track record isn't perfect - that's the nature of the beast as an NHL GM. However, his body of work far outshines his predecessor, Jay Feaster, who despite drafting the franchise cornerstones Treliving has masterfully kept together, has a trade track record that's far better left unseen for Flames fans.
Here's a look at the current makeup of the Flames' core, all of whom had their contracts extended by Treliving.
| Player | Cap hit | Contract Expiry |
|---|---|---|
| T.J. Brodie | $4.65M | 2020-21 |
| Mikael Backlund | $3.575M | 2018-19 |
| Dougie Hamilton | $5.75M | 2021-22 |
| Michael Frolik | $4.3M | 2020-21 |
| Mark Giordano | $6.75M | 2022-23 |
| Sean Monahan | $6.375M | 2023-24 |
| Johnny Gaudreau | $6.75M | 2022-23 |
Treliving's heist of Hamilton from the Boston Bruins and the extension that followed may stand as his best move to date. He's also responsible for drafting forwards Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk, who look to be on a fast track to increased prominence in Calgary's offensive strategy going forward.
After Treliving gets signed, Calgary's roster situation is destined to shift, as Dennis Wideman's ($5.25M) and Deryk Engelland's ($2.9M) hefty cap hits come of the books.
Ideally, the extra money can be allocated to the expiring deals of Bennett, trade deadline steal Michael Stone, and Brian Elliott, who looks to have returned to the form Treliving desired when pulling the trigger to acquire him at the draft.
All in all, Treliving has built a young, competitive roster that's improved drastically under his command, and it's imperative to the Flames' future success that he's awarded the chance to bring the club to the next step.
Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.