Carlton will this year step back from the frontline of the trade and free agency windows to focus on the draft.
The Blues have been among the most active players in the exchange period in recent years, but are bracing for critical contract negotiations with some of their most important performers.
Carlton have already been linked with Port Adelaide free agent Karl Amon, but sources said the Blues would only be involved in trade or free agent deals at the lower end of the pay scale, if at all.
Star Blues Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay both fall out of contract next year and will command significant new deals at top dollar.
Blossoming forward-ruck Tom De Koning and No.1 ruckman Marc Pittonet will need new contracts, while Zac Fisher and Jack Silvagni headline a group of important role players who also need to be re-signed.
Carlton has not used a first-round pick since taking Brodie Kemp in 2019 as it set about picking off talent from rival clubs.
Established pair Adam Cerra (trade) and George Hewett (free agent) came in last year. In 2020 it was Adam Saad (trade) and Zac Williams (free agent), while Jack Martin was forced into the pre-season draft in 2019 and Mitch McGovern was traded for in 2018.