In the highly anticipated pre-deadline 32 Thoughts podcast episode, there was no shortage of information on the Calgary Flames. The three big points were around what the team will do with their veteran players, defencemen that might actually move, and also an interesting tidbit from Friedman on Craig Conroy’s approach. Here’s more on what to expect for the Calgary Flames trade deadline.
Veterans unlikely to move
“I think that Conroy’s made it very clear that his veterans: the Colemans, the Kadris, the Weegar, the Anderssons, they’re not going anywhere.”
Friedman notes that it’s important to the Flames that the team is still in the race. He believes the team wants the young guys playing important games and that prices on some of the veterans wouldn’t necessarily go down in the offseason anyway.
This is a good perspective from Friedman, but there are different ways to view that too. The games will be important to the team no matter who’s on the roster. If the right caller comes along and offers up a deal, the Flames shouldn’t be so shortsighted as to not entertain the call or negotiate on the trade for the sake of developing their young players.
There’s also the argument that if the Flames truly want their young players to develop faster, trading away veterans would only open up more ice time for their future stars to play bigger minutes in these higher-stakes games.
Friedman notes that Conroy’s been adamant on his stance but one phone call could change everything.
Eyes on Miromanov and Hanley
Friedman says Calgary is going to look to move Daniil Miromavov and that other teams might be looking at Joel Hanley.
Miromanov has featured in 37 games so far this season to a tune of one goal and six assists. While Miromanov was good upon his arrival last season, he’s been far worse this year and has left a lot to be desired. Hanley on the other hand has played 32 games with one goal and three assists.
While the boxscore may be in favour of Miromanov, Hanley has been getting better on-ice results—especially when playing alongside Flames stud MacKenzie Weegar.
Both Miromanov and Hanley could potentially fetch decent enough returns for the Flames and if they are to clear out their blue line log jam, fielding calls on either of the players could help.
Walking the line as a GM
Here’s where Friedman gave insights on a point often glossed over or forgotten when it comes to Conroy’s approach to being a GM.
“He wants the players to understand that the organisation is moving in a proper direction. You have to think as a GM, but you also have to think sometimes as a player. I think Conroy’s really trying to walk that line.”
Conroy’s one of the GMs in the league with a lengthy NHL career and his experiences as a player definitely influence how he manages the Flames. Often favouring player loyalty over pure business decisions, the Flames clearly hold player sentiment quite high in their locker room. It’s the culture they thrive for and it’s one they’ve spent years building.
Friedman does say that the roster transformation over the past several years makes it harder for the Flames in this regard, which is where Conroy’s efforts are going in trying to find the balance.
The Calgary Flames trade deadline week begins
As always, the 32 Thoughts preview into the week gives a high-level look at what the Flames might be thinking. From the podcast, it doesn’t look like there will be too much going on for Calgary. What are you hoping for—some blockbuster announcement from the Flames or just a steady cruise into and out of the deadline?
