Calgary Flames' general manager Brad Treliving admits there wasn't much to do as his young team went on an unexpected run in the NHL playoffs.

He could only watch from the press box and cheer on his charges for the past month, but that all ended Sunday when the Flames were eliminated by the Anaheim Ducks.

Flames players were back at the Saddledome Tuesday to clean out their lockers before dispersing for the off-season.

But things are about to get very busy for Treliving. He met with the media Tuesday to discuss his work ahead in the coming months.

Contract extension for the captain

Flames' captain Mark Giordano is under contract for one more season. He'll be paid $4 million U.S. which is a bargain by NHL standards.

"Mark Giordano is the No. 1 priority for this summer," Treliving emphatically stated to the media.

Giordano is the undisputed leader and heart-and-soul of the Flames.

Calgary Flames' captain Mark Giordano. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The 32-year-old has also firmly entrenched himself as an elite NHL defenceman before an untimely injury ended his season.

Expect Treliving to try reach an agreement with his captain in the next few months so contract talks don't become a distraction when the new season begins in October.

You should also expect Giordano to seek to double his annual salary. The length of the contract is the real unknown.

Re-sign Ramo?

There are several Flames players whose contracts expire on July 1. Treliving has an opportunity to resign them before they become unrestricted free agents on that date. The most intriguing decision revolves around goaltender Karri Ramo.

Ramo was sensational in the Ducks series after taking over from Jonas Hiller in Game 1.

Hiller is under contract for another season.

Calgary Flames' goalie Karri Ramo blocks a shot by Anaheim Ducks centre Ryan Kesler during the second period of Game 5 on Sunday in Anaheim, Calif. (Chris Carlson/Associated Press)

The Flames also have some good goalie prospects waiting in the wings.

If Treliving decides to try keep the 28-year-old goalie, he will be in for a raise from his $2.75 million U.S. salary this past season.

It would also mean that Treliving will likely try trade the older and more expensive Hiller to open the door for one of the prospects to join Ramo as the Flames' goaltending duo in the 2015-16 season.

Get more defensive prospects into the system

The Flames have done a good job of stockpiling young, talented forwards. And, as mentioned, they also look strong in goal in the future.

However, the Flames are woefully thin when it comes to their defensive prospects. Only one — Tyler Wotherspoon — appears ready to move up to the NHL next season.

Treliving could look to the trade front to bolster his defence. He could offer his youthful NHL forwards such as Josh Jooris, Markus Granland, or even Joe Colborne to another team in return for a young blue-chip defenceman.

But Treliving publicly dismissed the idea of moving young players at his Tuesday briefing.

"What we are not going to do is rush out tomorrow and start sending a young player, two young players, three young players out the door because we think we can get that one last little push over the cliff," said the general manager.

For now, Treliving could simply hope that one of his young rearguards currently in the minors will somehow magically transform over the summer. He specifically mentioned Ryan Culkin by name. As hockey observers know, it usually takes longer for defencemen to develop into NHL players.

NHL draft

The NHL entry draft will be held in Sunrise, Florida, on June 26-27. The 30 NHL teams get to select the top young players from junior, college and European leagues.

We won't know what position the Flames will draft in until the conclusion of the NHL playoffs. But it's safe to say it will be mid-to-late in each round. The Flames should still be able to use their first pick to secure one of the top young defenceman available in the draft.

Treliving and his scouting staff have eight other picks in the upcoming draft. Trying to identify those mid-round and late-round nuggets will keep them very busy. The general manager added that foot speed will be the key to building a Stanley Cup contender in the future.

Free agent shopping

The Flames will be in an enviable position when the free agency markets opens on July 1. They're already one of the lowest spending teams in the NHL.

The NHL salary cap for the upcoming season is projected to be in the $72-73 million U.S. range. The Flames have already committed about $46 million U.S. to its roster for next season. That means Brad Treliving has millions to spend on free agent veterans to bolster his team.

Unfortunately, the expected list of free agents does not include a go-to superstar but there are still some talented players that could interest the Flames after July 1.

Treliving stated Tuesday that he still believes his team is in the development phase of a rebuild despite this season's success.

"There's a lot to look back, there's a lot to proud of, but there's still yet a lot more to achieve," said Treliving.