We’re still where we were when I started this series. The Calgary Flames have not made the necessary trades to move things along. The slow start to the season was more fuel to their we can do it, just keep trying culture. Unfortunately, the Flames are still one of the worst teams in the league. The only team worse than them is the Vancouver Canucks, who just traded their captain and franchise defenceman, Quinn Hughes. Hard decisions have to be made; otherwise, you’re stuck in purgatory with the Buffalo Sabres forever.
Let’s get into it.
Moving Andersson
The Flames would be foolish to trade Rasmus Andersson and Nazem Kadri together. Unless you’re getting Macklin Celebrini or Connor Bedard… what are you doing? Okay, maybe that’s just me being overdramatic.
Connor McMichael is a young centre who has five goals and 17 points through 33 games this season. Is he more or less of what the Flames already have? There is more upside as he has proven himself to be a 20+ goal scorer, and he was on the cusp of scoring 20 in his rookie season. Adding another forward to the mix means you have to move someone out. Roster management is another issue, but let’s just take this at face value. If you are trading both Kadri and Andersson, you should probably get Ryan Leonard as part of the return.
Verdict: It’s either Andersson or Kadri. Pick one, and then we can adjust.
From the Canadian Rockies to Colorado
Andrew Mangiapane got you a second-round pick. In what world is Blake Coleman bringing in a first in the year 2025? That’s not a knock on Coleman; he is still very effective. We’ve seen that so far this season, and there’s plenty of gas in the tank. I don’t think too many GMs are handing out first-round picks for third liners. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Verdict: Who am I to say no?
Could you entertain this?
Don Sweeney might be foolish enough to give Andersson $9M and all the term he wants. I mean, look at what he signed Nikita Zadorov to. However, I don’t think he’d be so quick to trade the seventh-overall pick, James Hagens. Hagens is in his sophomore season at Boston College. He has 10 goals and 18 points in 16 games. That sure sounds attractive. I just don’t see that happening.
Mason Lohrei is a young defenceman who may need a change of scenery. Fun fact: he is the only NHLer from Louisiana. A young LHD is what the Flames should be looking for to help even out the right side. It probably helps that he is 6’5″ as well. Theo Stockselius is one of the Flames’ top prospects. I don’t think he entices Sweeney to make this move. Plus, the Flames love holding onto prospects and never giving them a shot at the NHL, a la Rory Kerins.
Verdict: I’d help Andersson pack.
Bean and Lombo head east
It was announced that Jake Bean will undergo surgery for an undisclosed injury that will keep him out indefinitely. I don’t think the Penguins have any interest in acquiring him, but maybe they know something I don’t. If Pittsburgh is really struggling with culture and vibes, bringing in Ryan Lomberg just might save the season. He is like the dog whisperer of locker room vibes.
Do I have to go into detail as to why adding a frequently injured Kevin Hayes may be a silly idea to an already crowded forward group? If they want to take away a spot from one of the young kids, sure. What’s one more vet? Danton Heinen would be a solid addition to the penalty kill. He has a solid net-front presence, which could be beneficial for finishing.
Verdict: No, I think you just go after draft capital with these guys. The Flames need to worry about the logjam.
More chefs in the kitchen
I so desperately want the Flames to make trades. I want them to get rid of roster spots taken up by underperforming vets and let the kids they’ve drafted and developed finally get NHL minutes. I need the Flames to think like the San Jose Sharks. Even if it’s just for a season or two… Try it.
Verdict: Yes, but only if they’re being aggressive to flip these players or make more room.
The holiday freeze
The Flames last made an in-season trade almost a year ago when they acquired Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee. Most would have expected some roster movement made by a team that’s been at the bottom of the standings for the first three months of the season. Yet here we are.
We’ll see if there’s any movement at all by the Flames in the coming weeks and months. Just don’t hold your breath.
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