The Calgary Flames are off to the worst start in franchise history. It appears that ownership and upper management still have a serious rift. Although Don Maloney says the Flames are “not giving up,” it might be a good time for Craig Conroy to start fielding calls. Players like Nazem Kadri and Rasmus Andersson have been active in the trade board since the end of last season. The Flames had a quiet summer, but this disappointing bounce out of the gate could force their hand.
Kadri and the Jets
Frank Seravalli reported the Jets have allowed Brad Lambert’s camp to find a suitable trade partner. Could the Flames be one of the teams they contact? The Flames would likely need to move at least two forwards for any additions to make sense.
Rebuilding cannot happen in a day or even in one season. So let’s start with moving on from a veteran forward like Nazem Kadri, who would likely be playoff-bound if he agreed to a trade to the Winnipeg Jets. Sounds like the place to be for someone who wants to win.
If you trade Kadri, you should also earn back some exchange capital. Adding a third first-round pick wouldn’t be a bad thing.
Adding a player like Lambert would be a step in the right direction for the Flames. He is a young center with speed and skill. Maloney said it himself: the team needs to get faster. You can be as fast as you want, but what good is it if you don’t add scoring ability? I think Lambert could be a piece of the puzzle the Flames want to complete. Danny Zhilkin is a 21-year-old center with four goals and seven points for the Manitoba Moose. In the meantime, he could be a nice addition to the Calgary Wranglers.
Pronunciation: Yeah, if this gets the ball rolling, then so be it. Thanks for your time, Kadri.
A day late and a dollar short
Earlier this season, the Flames were looking for a backup goaltender. They weren’t sure how things would turn out with Devin Cooley. It’s a good thing they didn’t make any premature decisions. Cooley currently leads the league in SV% and GAA through six games.
Pronunciation: Seems unnecessary at this point.
Andersson to Anaheim?
Would Rasmus Andersson be open to a trade and extension with the Anaheim Ducks? Andersson declined a trade to the LA Kings last summer. Would he be willing to accept a trade to a team a little further south and perhaps a slightly bigger window?
Pavel Mintyukov is a 21-year-old left-hand drive. The Flames need to figure out how to round out their defensive group, so I think Mintyukov could be a solid addition. Not that it takes too much convincing, but you could justify moving on from players like Joel Hanley and Brayden Pachal. You also have Yan Kuznetzov waiting in the wings. Why don’t we take another step forward and sign a young defender?
Pronunciation: Yes, I think you need to take action quickly with Andersson. The longer you go without trading him, the more likely an injury will occur.
Keep Kadri in Canada
The Montreal Canadiens recently announced that Kirby Dach will be out for four to six weeks with a broken foot. Dach has missed more than 180 games due to injuries. Accidents happen, but it’s hard not to be a little worried about acting for him. I won’t know if such a transaction will happen until Dach gets back. At that point you’re looking at mid to late January. Will Kadri hold out until then, or could the Flames possibly land another player or an additional draft pick?
Montreal makes a lot of sense for Kadri. They are in dire need of a center to keep the momentum from last season. Kadri makes every team better, but I think Montreal is one of the teams that would immediately benefit from that. They have the right supporting cast to bring the film together.
Pronunciation: I’m not interested in taking risks like Kirby Dach. There are too many players in the wings who could be a constant spot in the lineup.
More leftovers from Boston
Star defenseman Charlie McAvoy underwent facial reconstructive surgery after taking a puck to his jaw. There is no timetable for his return. The Boston Bruins want to bounce back after a very difficult year. Their defense could use some reinforcement even if McAvoy returns. Rasmus Andersson would be a solid addition to the blueline. He could QB the power play and contribute to the offensive production.
Fabian Lysell is a victim of Boston’s inability to develop young players. When he was drafted, he was going to be the next David Pastrnak. Despite his highly touted skills, he hasn’t seen much time at the NHL level. Could his solid technical ability and crisp release be of use to the Calgary Flames?
The only way it makes sense to trade for him is if the Flames are serious and want to give him real NHL minutes. “Earned, not given” is a good core value, but like John Beecher, Lysell needs a chance to prove himself at the NHL level. Kras Lomberg. Kras Sharangovich. Do what it takes to get the most out of a 22-year-old attacker.
Andrew Peeke would be an upgrade over Pachal and Bean. You can’t really argue with that much.
Pronunciation: Yes, but only if you are willing to take a “risk” and let the child play.
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