Carlton have explained their reasoning for the uncertain future that small forward Matt Owies faces at Princes Park, with the Blues' forward unit set to "look a little bit different next year".
Despite kicking the third most goals under Michael Voss this year, Owies remains without a deal for 2025 and is yet to find a leading suitor for his services.
The 72-gamer could remain at Carlton next season but will have to wait until the end of the trade period and potentially after November's AFL Draft to learn whether or not the Blues will offer an extension.
Carlton will have high-priced veteran Zac Williams undergo his first pre-season as a small forward this summer, working with young pair Corey Durdin and Jesse Motlop, while medium-sized attacker Jack Silvagni will return from a year on the sidelines.
Speaking on Monday, Carlton list manager Nick Austin explained Owies' uncertain future is a result of the club wanting to prioritise a number of other assets and list moves for 2025.
"He kicked a lot of goals, he's had a good season. Our front half is going to look a little bit different next year,"
"Jack Silvagni missed the whole year, Zac Williams will train as a forward for the first time in his career, and we want to get some games into Ashton Moir as well. We felt like he showed some things later season.
"[We have] a lot of faith in Jesse Motlop and Corey Durdin to come through, they're only 20 and 21 as it is. They've had some injury troubles this year, but we need to create a pathway for those guys to step up and take more responsibility."
Carlton have made Jack Carroll and Sam Durdin also wait through the player movement period before making a call on their contracts, while Matt Kennedy and Lewis Young have been given the green light to assess their options on the open market.
The club is continuing to deal with Port Adelaide for wantaway defender Dan Houston as Collingwood and North Melbourne also show interest, while the Blues have opened talks with Gold Coast for their first-round selection of Pick 13.
Carlton have managed to secure one deal already this off-season, signing GWS free agency Nick Haynes to a one-year deal.