The Calgary Flames have been playing better as of late, winning more games than expected. However, this team is still bound for the bottom of the standings and a high draft pick this summer. With that comes the conversation about which Flames players are going to be on the trade block this season. One name has been continuously involved in trade rumours ever since he arrived in Calgary: Zach Whitecloud.
Whitecloud gained interest around the league even when the Flames acquired him in the Rasmus Andersson trade. While nothing has been imminent, it’s clear that Whitecloud has great demand given his position as a right-shot defenceman and having a cheap cap hit of only $2.75 million. His contract doesn’t expire until 2028. But the Flames may be forced to move him if they get an offer they can’t refuse. With that being said, here are four teams that could make sense as suitors for the 28-year-old defenceman.
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks stand out as one big suitor for Whitecloud. The team’s defence, especially on the right side, isn’t the strongest, given how the Ducks are looking to compete. Adding Whitecloud to their blueline would be a solid upgrade.
Currently, the Ducks’ right side consists of Noah Warren, Drew Helleson and Tristan Luneau. The team’s blueline is young, and adding a veteran like Whitecloud would certainly be a benefit. The Ducks’ blueline also took a hit this summer. They lost defencemen such as Jacob Trouba, Radko Gudas, John Carlson and Olen Zellweger. As of right now, the Ducks have about $2.4 million in cap space. If they wanted to acquire Whitecloud, they’d have to trade money out.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa has the cap space to accommodate Whitecloud’s contract, as they have about $3.1 million. The Lightning are a team that is always looking to compete year in and year out. Adding Whitecloud to their blueline would make sense for a team that continues to be a contender. Whitecloud could be a second- or third-pair defenceman for the team. That would only improve Tampa’s depth on the blueline.
Toronto Maple Leafs
It was rumoured earlier that the Toronto Maple Leafs could be suitors for Whitecloud. It seems like the Leafs are always interested in whichever right-handed defenceman hits the trade market. A player like Whitecloud would be a solid addition for them.
Having around $2.4 million in cap space, Toronto would need to move out some money to accommodate Whitecloud’s cap hit. With that being said, Whitecloud could provide assurance for the Leafs’ right side, especially since the team’s blueline has seen a plethora of injuries so far this season. The Leafs have apparently been interested in Whitecloud ever since last season. They could be a team to watch if that time does come.
Philadelphia Flyers
As a team that has had a disastrous start, the Philadelphia Flyers could be an unexpected landing spot for Whitecloud. They have more than enough cap space and are looking to contend, but nothing has gone according to plan for that team so far.
If they decide that they need to improve their blueline, Whitecloud could be the veteran player they look for. It wouldn’t hurt to add assurance on the right side, especially with a player like Jamie Drysdale and his injury history. Whitecloud could serve as a stabilizing factor. The Flyers are apparently looking for help on the blueline.
What would the Flames want for Whitecloud?
Via David Pagnotta, the Flames would ideally be looking for “an A-level prospect, a high draft pick, or some combination of the two” in a Whitecloud trade. Either way, the ask from the Flames isn’t going to be cheap. It’s very likely the Flames elect to keep him if they don’t get the offers they want. It seems that Whitecloud has found a place in Calgary and loves the city quite a bit.
