It feels like we keep beating a dead horse, but it’s looking like this year’s trade deadline will be a seller’s market. Returns for players will be higher than usual, as contending teams look to go all in.
The Flames are yet again in the middle, barely holding on to that second wildcard spot in the West. While the team likely won’t be sellers by this deadline, the returns on some trades we’ve seen around the league have been quite intriguing.
It’s why I think the Flames should strongly reevaluate their position, as in a seller’s market, they could have the potential to gain considerable returns for some of their veterans, one being Rasmus Andersson.
Looking at other recent trades around the league
When insiders and hockey analysts said that this year’s deadline would lean towards teams who sell, they weren’t kidding. We’ve already seen some trades where teams have gotten significant returns for players who normally wouldn’t have netted such assets.
One major example is the recent Seth Jones trade. The Florida Panthers acquired Jones from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for a 2026 conditional first-round pick and young goaltender Spencer Knight. In addition, the Blackhawks only had to retain $2.5 million of Jones’ $9.5 million cap hit. The Blackhawks did amazing in this trade, as not too long ago, Jones was seen as a liability who could’ve never been moved due to his contract, and how he was only willing to accept a trade to two teams.
Another recent example is the Tampa Bay Lightning acquiring Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde from the Seattle Kraken in exchange for Micheal Eyssimont, two first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 and a 2025 2nd round pick. As you can see, this is an absolute haul for the Kraken.
The trade deadline is on Friday, so there are still many deals to be made. But going back to the Flames, there are potential players on this team that can net back significant returns given how sellers are at a huge advantage, and these two trades prove it.
The Flames could be sitting on a goldmine with Andersson
Using the Jones trade as an example, imagine what the Flames can get back for Andersson in this current market. The fact that a defenseman who was once seen as a liability got back a first and a goaltender with high upside is incredible, adding that the Blackhawks also got rid of the majority of Jones’ salary
Now looking at Andersson, he is a defenceman who is on a bargain of a deal and can slot in any contender’s top four. If he were to become available, teams would be lining up for his services. If Jones can get back significant assets as a right-shot, top-four defender, imagine the haul Andersson can potentially bring. We could be talking about multiple premium assets including firsts and prospects, which would be a welcome addition to the Flames prospect cupboards.
Yes, the Flames are in a playoff spot, but a few bad games can change that real quick with how tight the race is. Their goal should still be to prioritize for the future, and to not get blinded by short-term success.
Calgary can’t be fooled by their position
As mentioned above, the Flames are barely hanging on to that playoff spot and looking at the way this team is built currently, a long playoff run is a pipedream.
If the Flames make the playoffs, they’re not going to last long. Yes, anything can happen, but Calgary simply doesn’t have the talent to match up against teams like Winnipeg or Vegas. This is why the Flames need to make moves for the future and trading veterans who don’t fit the team’s timeline is a major part of that. Again the Flames likely won’t be busy come deadline time, but if an offer comes their way that’s too good to refuse, action may be taken.
