It’s been 11 days since Craig Conroy made his biggest splash as an NHL general manager: sending Elias Lindholm to Vancouver for 2024 first- and fourth-round picks, defence prospects Hunter Brzustewicz and Joni Jurmo, and Andrei Kuzmenko.
In last week’s Sunday Census, you let us know with a resounding majority that Conroy’s blockbuster deserved an A grade. Flash forward a week and the “cap dump” of the deal, Andrei Kuzmenko, is outscoring Lindholm since the trade and the Flames are on a three-game win streak. The deal is looking like an A++ out of the gates. After such great early praise on the Lindholm trade, who remaining could fetch Craig Conroy and the Flames the biggest return? We asked, you answered.
Want to take part in Sunday Census polls? We send them out every week on our Twitter at @wincolumnCGY. Follow along or send in ideas for the next poll!
Biggest Flames trade chip remaining?
We presented the below poll to our readers: Who is the biggest trade chip for the Flames, with the options being Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, Jacob Markstrom, and Blake Coleman.
Noah Hanifin
Hanifin was the leading response from our poll, collecting 43% of votes. It was reported the Flames had a contract offer submitted to Hanifin’s camp over the All-Star break. It was expected that a decision was to be made following the break and after a week back in action, no ink has hit the paper. Although contract negotiations could still be ongoing, it appears only a matter of time before Noah Hanifin heads off to another team.
Hanifin is the youngest of our poll options, just turning 27 on January 25 and will play in his 650th NHL game on Monday (assuming he’s not scratched). He has NHL experience at a young age, is entering the prime of his career, and is having his best seasons as a pro. All trails lead to a high return for the Flames on the trade market.
There are plenty of buyers at the deadline shopping hard for a defenceman like Hanifin. The Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning are all teams that could be interested in adding, and potentially re-signing, Hanifin at the deadline. All three teams could fetch the Flames a decent return. No matter the location, his return could end up similar to Lindholm’s.
Chris Tanev
Tanev would be a near-perfect addition to any team looking to contend. Receiving 21.6% of votes, Tanev is probably the most desirable player on the market wearing a Flames sweater. Tanev’s intangibles, defensive mind, shot-blocking, and leadership are attractive to all other 31 teams in the NHL.
At 34 years old, Tanev will likely sign himself a four-year contract this offseason and his name has been linked to teams across the league. Even struggling teams such as the Ottawa Senators have shown interest in signing Tanev to help establish a new culture for the struggling young team.
He’s a defensive anchor on any team’s blueline and is one of, if not the toughest player in the league. Although he takes a beating, Tanev is the golden nugget of the trade deadline if you’re a cup contender. Furthermore, Eric Francis reported that contract discussions with Tanev were off the table and he would be traded before the deadline.
The asking price is reportedly a second-round pick but a first-round selection in return is certainly not out of the question. With the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly in the conversation, I don’t see Tanev heading to a divisional or Canadian rival without a premium return.
Jacob Markstrom
Markstrom collected 33.7% of the votes making him the second-highest option in the poll. Before the All-Star break, Markstrom was for the most part not in the conversation to depart Calgary at the trade deadline. Although, there’s no question the Calgary Flames have a goalie surplus and plenty of teams are looking for goaltenders.
Everyone’s eyes were on Dan Vladar earlier in the season, but with Markstrom’s tremendous play this season and Calgary’s seeming commitment to the future, now might be the optimal time to explore the market.
It was reported by Elliotte Friedman that the New Jersey Devils and Flames were in conversation over Markstrom and talks had intensified. That said, it seems a deal hasn’t been reached. At 34 years old, with two years remaining after this season at a $6.0M cap hit, the money is going to be difficult to work out. The Flames would likely have to retain salary to move Markstrom this deadline but it could be worth it considering he’s likely at his trade value peak.
Blake Coleman
Last but not least, with only 1.6% of the votes, Blake Coleman. A fan favourite and the team’s leading scorer, Coleman likely won’t be going anywhere. Age and contract also play into the picture at 32 years old and a $4.9M cap hit until 2026–27. Although a valuable middle-six forward with Cup-winning experience and incredible penalty killing ability, he doesn’t fit the model for a deadline move.
Plus, I certainly wouldn’t mind keeping Blake Coleman around. He loves Calgary, everyone loves him, and he’s a big piece of the veteran presence that’s going to be needed leading this team for the next few years.
The clock is ticking
Just 26 days remain until the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline on March 8. Elias Lindholm was merely the first domino to fall for Craig Conroy and the Calgary Flames front office. The phone lines will be hot over the next few weeks and it seems imminent the Flames will head into spring with some fresh faces and busier draft boards.
Photo courtesy of @NHLFlames.
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