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In this edition of the hotstove we discuss which unsigned restricted free agent is most important to his team.

Todd Cordell

I think Hampus Lindholm may be the best RFA remaining unsigned but the Anaheim Ducks still have Sami Vatanen, Josh Manson, Cam Fowler, Simon Despres plus a never ending list of high-end prospects headlined by Jacob Larsson, Shea Theodore and Brandon Montour. I think they have a strong enough blue line to (somewhat) survive without him if it comes down to it.

With that said I'm going to go with Johnny Gaudreau. He is an elite scorer, a possession driver and one of the few quality wingers Calgary has on their roster. Their left wingers without Gaudreau in the fold are rookie Matthew Tkachuk, Hunter Shinkaruk, Lance Bouma as well as Lauri Korpikoski and Chris Higgins, both of whom are in camp on a tryout basis. That is, well, terrible.

I think the Flames have a decent chance of getting back into the playoffs this year but if Gaudreau misses time they could be in big trouble.

Jason Lewis

Hampus. Lindholm.

He is the straw that stirs the drink on the Anaheim back end. He is as steady a young defenseman as you'd want leading your defensive core, and if Anaheim started the season without him it would be an extremely massive hole to fill.

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