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So far in free agency, Jay Feaster has made retaining his own players more of a priority than bringing in new faces.

Look for that trend to continue, at least right now.

The Calgary Flames have begun contract talks with restricted free agents TJ Brodie and Mikael Backlund, according to Feaster.

"We have begun contract negotiations with both of them," Feaster told me via email.

Backlund, 24, is the bigger priority right now, though.

"(We have) more urgency (with Backlund) than Brodie because Backlund has rights to salary arbitration," said Feaster. "If we do not reach a negotiated agreement prior to the filing deadline we are certain Backlund will file for salary arbitration and we will be ensured of getting an agreement with him either negotiated or via arbitration."

While Backlund is the main priority right now, the hope is to get Brodie, 23, re-signed soon as well.

"We've begun negotiations with Brodie and will advance that process in a timely fashion," said Feaster.

Look for these two extensions to get done soon.

**

My thoughts on the trade that brought TJ Galiardi to Calgary.

Why the Flames should target Jonathan Blum.

I examine how Jay Feaster and the Flames fared in this year's draft.

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