The Calgary Flames are off to the worst start in franchise history. It appears that ownership and upper management are still having a serious disconnect. While Don Maloney says the Flames “aren’t giving up,” it might be a good time for Craig Conroy to start fielding calls. Players like Nazem Kadri and Rasmus Andersson have been on trade boards since the end of last season. The Flames had a quiet summer, but this disappointing jump out of the gate may force their hand.
Kadri and the Jets
Frank Seravalli reported the Jets have given Brad Lambert’s camp permission to find an appropriate trade partner. Could the Flames be one of the teams they reach out to? The Flames would likely need to move at least two forwards out to make any additions make sense.
Rebuilds can’t happen in a day or even 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 a guy who wants to win.
If you are trading Kadri, you should be recouping some draft capital, too. Adding a third first-round pick would not be a bad thing.
Adding a player like Lambert would be a step in the right direction for the Flames. He’s a young centre 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 does it do if you aren’t adding scoring ability? I think Lambert could be a piece of the puzzle the Flames are looking to complete. Danny Zhilkin is a 21-year-old centre with four goals and seven points with the Manitoba Moose. In the meantime, he could be a nice addition to the Calgary Wranglers.
Verdict: Yes, if this gets the ball rolling, then so be it. Thanks for your time, Kadri.
A day late and a dollar short
Earlier in the season, the Flames were looking for a backup goaltender. They weren’t sure how things would pan 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.
Verdict: Seems unnecessary at the moment.
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 over the summer. Would he be willing to accept a trade to a team a little further south and maybe a slightly bigger window?
Pavel Mintyukov is a 21-year-old LHD. 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 should take too much convincing, but you could justify moving on from players like Joel Hanley and Brayden Pachal. You have Yan Kuznetzov in the wings as well. Why not take another step forward and bring in a young defenceman?
Verdict: Yes, I think you need to move quickly with Andersson. The longer you go without trading him, the more likely an injury occurs.
Keeping Kadri in Canada
The Montreal Canadiens recently announced that Kirby Dach is out 4–6 weeks with a fractured foot. Dach has missed over 180 games due to injuries. Accidents happen, but it’s hard not to feel a little apprehensive about trading for him. I don’t know if a trade like this happens until Dach is back. At that point, you’re looking at mid to late January. Does Kadri stick it out until then, or can the Flames maybe land a different player or an additional draft pick?
Montreal makes a lot of sense for Kadri. They are in dire need of a centre to keep the momentum from last season going. Kadri makes every team better, but I think Montreal is one of the ones that would immediately benefit. They have the right supporting cast to bring the picture together.
Verdict: I’m not interested in taking a risk like Kirby Dach. There are too many players in the wings who could be a consistent spot in the lineup.
More of Boston’s leftovers
Star defenceman, Charlie McAvoy, underwent facial reconstructive surgery after taking a puck to the jaw. There is no timetable for his return. The Boston Bruins are looking to bounce back after a very tough year. Their defence could use some bolstering, even when McAvoy returns. Rasmus Andersson would be a solid addition to the blueline. He could QB the power play and add to the offensive production.
Fabian Lysell is a victim of Boston’s inability to develop young players. When he was drafted, he was slated to be the next David Pastrnak. Despite his highly touted skill set, he has not seen much time at the NHL level. Could his solid technical skill and sharp release be of use to the Calgary Flames?
The only way it makes sense to trade for him is if the Flames are serious about giving him real NHL minutes. “Earned, not given” is a good core value to have, but just like John Beecher, Lysell needs a shot to prove himself at the NHL level. Scratch Lomberg. Scratch Sharangovich. Do whatever you have to to get the most out of a 22-year-old forward.
Andrew Peeke would be an upgrade over Pachal and Bean. You can’t really argue with much there.
Verdict: Yes, but only if you are willing to take a “risk” and let the kid play.
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