Another “What I would do” post. First and foremost remember I am a 3rd party observer and die-hard fans might disagree with what I say.
Do remember that I am a Oilers fan but I’m not gonna let that play into any biases here. While I do hate the Flames, I love hockey, and hockey is at its best when the Oilers are dummying the Flames in good old fashioned playoff hockey. I chose to do the Flames now before other much worse teams because I was/am really inspired by the Conroy presser that happened yesterday. It's really refreshing to hear a new GM come in and be candid about the direction he wants to take the team. He said all the right things, especially in regard to asset management and wanting young players. So heading into this off-season the Flames should try to target adding young players to their already established core (Huby/Kadri/Weegar). They should maximize assets for players they are unlikely to retain, learning from Gaudreau failure, while also building a team that can contend now.
*Question marks*:
- What will Conroy do about pending UFA’s? He made a big point about asset management and not wanting to go through the same thing that happened to the team last summer. And considering the pending FA’s the team has after the 2024 season i expect some big decisions to be made.
- Targeting youth: what are positions of need for the Flames? Undoubtedly they need help on the defensive side of the puck right now but they also lack depth at either wing position in the system outside of their young studs.
- Players to help them compete now. In a weak FA class who could the Flames target to fill critical holes in their team, would trading expiring assets necessitate a return of players that can help the team right now?
- In goal. With budding young superstar prospect goaltender Dustin Wolf looking to secure a spot in the NHL could we see the departure of one of the Flames net minders?
*Trades*:
- Lindholm: At his best he’s a Selke calibre ppg #1C, but there’s been so much hesitancy on his part about signing an extension this off-season, it sounds as though he will be testing the market which leaves Calgary in the same position they were in last year with Gaudreau. In determining Lindholm’s trade value I looked at all the trades dating back to the deadline last year where an expiring top 6 player was dealt:
>Horvat: 1, Beauvillier, Raty
> ROR: 1, 2, 3, 4, Gaudette, Abramov (also 75% retained and received Acciari)
> Tarasenko: 1, 3, Blais, Skinner
> DeBrincat: 1, 2, 3 (Cat was RFA)
> Fiala: 1, Faber
> Copp: 1, 2, Barron (1st was 2nd conditional on making ECF)
> Giroux: 1, 3, Tippett (2 prospects (mid) and 5th with Giroux)
Of these trades Horvat, Fiala, Copp are the most similar to Lindholm’s value, in that order. In all of those trades the team received a 1st back and a top prospect. Who needs a #1/#2 C?. Assuming Calgary won’t deal him in division potential spots are:
>Contenders: BOS/CAR/COL/MIN//TBL/TOR
>Wildcards: BUF/DET/WSH
No:
>COL: Any deal likely needs to include Newhook/Girard, that’s likely no from COL.
>TBL: Lack of money/assets.
>BUF: Would involve moving Cozens to LW, cap space needed in future for Dahlin/Power.
Maybe:
>TOR: Would CGY be keen on shipping him to another Canadian market? Could Toronto re-sign him? Would they part with Knies+? Idk, depends on the new GM.
>DET: A deal would probably involve Kasper which DET won’t do.
>WSH: Aging core, is it really the time to retool or fully rebuild?
Yes:
>BOS: Even if Krejci and Bergeron come back BOS might seek to shore up their future #1C spot. For now he’d slot in 3C as a luxury. They’d have to part with Lysell and other assets but he seems like a perfect fit there. Although they don’t have a 1st until 2025.
>CAR: They have the prospect depth to bring Lindholm back to NC.
>MIN: The only issue is cap space. Although now they only have 9mil, next year they will have 29 mil in free cap, peak time to pay off his extension, a year after that they regain the 15 mil of dead cap from Parise/Suter.
>MIN: Calgary gets a young dman who can play now who seems to have fallen out of the lineup in MIN, a legit top LW prospect, and two picks. MIN has to give up Öhgren but thats “ok” as they have the best prospect depth in the league and are getting a Selke contender for under 2.5 million dollars this season. They still have Rossi/Yurov/Khusnutdinov/Beckman/Bankier/Lorenz on top of all the depth they have and Boldy/Kaprisov and 2 2nds this year. Not all those guys will make the league, they can afford to lose one for a top line centre.
- Backlund: Another trade that is really “now or never” for Calgary. After requesting a trade two years ago Backlund had a career year, he was legitimately a top 5 defensive centre in the league with 56 pts to boot. He seems unlikely to sign an extension to stay in Calgary so I have him getting traded to the Canes (as was rumoured as a potential fit at the deadline). Value here was what I really struggled with. I really compared it to ROR and Eller trades from the last year.
>ROR: 1, 2, 3, 4, Gaudette, Abramov (also 75% retained and received Acciari)
>Eller: 2 (31% retained)
Obviously in this case there is no retention, so I feel the value should be somewhere between these two trades. I decided on Cruz Lucius (depth winger prospect) and two 2nd round picks (2023/2024) the lesser of CAR two 2nds this year, with the 2024 pick being conditional turning into a first if Carolina makes the ECF and Backlund plays 50% of playoff games. CAL also picks up a late round pick to fill a hole in the draft for them.
- Hanifin: With Kylington coming back, the improved play of Zadorov, and the pending UFA status of another American potentially leaving, Hanifin should be dealt this offseason while his value is high. (If he expresses he wants to re-sign they should move Zadorov instead but from all I’ve heard he’s hesitant to sign an extension as well). Looking at past trades for Dmen we can determine his potential value.
Of these trades I think the closest comps in age, contract, and value are Lindholm, Gavrikov, and Chychrun, in that order. The thing that determines his value is his UFA status, if he’s traded to an American team maybe extension factors in to his value. I have Detroit as the perfect spot for him… and Dan Vladar. Vladar becomes a luxury the Flames no longer need with Wolf pushing for his NHL spot (which he has earned), and he is exactly what Detroit needs. A young goaltender who has proven he can play 25-30 games a year at a relative high level or play, he’s what Detroit thought they were getting in Ned, and along with Husso provides a stop-gap until Cossa is eventually ready. CGY receives: Zadina (needs a fresh start (similar to Urho in Lindholm trade)), the lesser of DET two 1st this year (NYI), a conditional 2nd that becomes the lesser of DET two 1sts next year if they make playoffs, and two 4ths (one becomes a 3rd if Vladar plays 30+ games). CGY also gets Mastrosimone (who likely won’t sign with CAR) and a young RD prospect a long ways away in Johansson.
*DRAFT*:
#16 - David Reinbacher RD (6’2’, Great skater, Two-way, Top 2 Dman in class)
#17 - Otto Stenberg C (Goal-scoring playmaker)
#21 - Ethan Gauthier RW (Sniper, gritty, physical offensive forward)
#48 - Roman Kantserov RW (5’9”, shifty playmaking, elite hands)
#64 - Luca Cagnoni LD (5’9”, offensive minded, great skater)
#112 - Hudson Malinoski C (Brooks in AJHL, Competitive)
#139 - Ruslan Khazheyev G (6’4”, young goalie, long way away)
#176 - Matteo Mann RD (6’5” Defensive Dman)
#208 - Isac Hedqvist LW (Playmaker)
(Could potentially trade up or back, or for a impact player. I like the thought of adding 3 1sts filling out all the relative “gaps” in your prospect pool)
*RFA’s*:
- Addison: Sign to 2 year deal now and see what he can be. Re-evaluate in 2025.
- MEP/Jones: AHL depth. Could fill-in in NHL in a pinch.
- I would keep and extend Toffoli. He likes it in Calgary, young family and wife do as well. He's a really good player too.
*UFA’s*:
- JT Compher: This all stems from the idea that the Flames want to get younger while still trying to compete relatively soon. Compher fills the hole of the 2C spot, joins former teammate Kadri. Contract is based on Zacha’s 4.75mil AAV extension. Compher won a cup so a bit of an overpay for him like Coleman.
- Miles Wood: Relatively any veteran FA LW for 1 year at around 3 million could fill this spot. I chose Wood because he might be left out in NJ having to pay a lot of players this season, and Calgary is losing a lot of physicality this summer, Wood adds that.
- Megna: Depth player can play any forward position and pk. Cheap add. Kind of insurance if one of the younger guys (Zary/Zadina) needs to come out of the lineup
Let me know what you think and what you’d change.
This is what I’d do following the Conroy ideology of; getting young players to play, not losing assets for nothing, and staying competitive in the Pacific.
I saw some talk about Backlund wanting to be the Captain, so I think he is interested in sticking around now if he wasn't from before.
As for Lindholm, he doesn't want to stick around for a rebuild but I'm guessing with the guys they have locked, management won't want to go down that road. Considering that the Flames were pretty solid defensively save last season, I don't think trading Lindholm for a Dman is the move. Resigning him should be a priority but if not, then they should be acquiring a young C in a deal. Maybe they should cash in on Toffoli's value since they will likely be unable to resign him, and with that money+Compher money, they could try resigning Lindholm instead at 8-8.5mx7.
Minnesota doesn't have 29 mil next year. Thus upcoming season and ne t year, they are still under cap hell. They haven't traded a 1st and top prospect under Guerin's management and they won't start now
Minnesota's difficulty would be resigning Lindholm. I'm surprised they haven't initiated a retool themselves due to the buyout penalties. I would say that Columbus would be a natural fit if Calgary were to trade Lindholm. He has natural chemistry with Gudreau and Columbus has the assets to pay for a top line center. They also aren't in the same conference, so that's an advantage.
If Calgary is trading Lindholm, and Backlund, Toffoli and Tanev will be moved as well. This would trigger a full rebuild for them. Kadri isn't a number one C and I could see Boston or Toronto looking at Kadri given their soft performances in the post season. That's not to say Calgary would get any material return on him given his contract. What most fans fail to understand is that the last 3 years of that contract will likely be on LTIR. His style of play doesn't lend itself to longevity.
That is quite a lot for 1 year of backlund. I get he looked like a 2C this year. Too much for the canes
I watched every game, and Backlund was one of the few bright spots on the team. The guy is the ultimate swiss army knife player. He is selke calibres in two way play, offensively has continued to improve and can bee put into all situations. His point total was impressive given how much he was utilized defensively all year. He is the missing piece for a lot of contending teams. It's a shame that Calgary didn't give him a shot at contention when Gudreau and Tkatchuk left. But that's Calgary: never rebuild, just plug and patch to stay mediocre all the time.
I watched every game, and Backlund was one of the few bright spots on the team. The guy is the ultimate swiss army knife player. He is selke calibres in two way play, offensively has continued to improve and can bee put into all situations. His point total was impressive given how much he was utilized defensively all year. He is the missing piece for a lot of contending teams. It's a shame that Calgary didn't give him a shot at contention when Gudreau and Tkatchuk left. But that's Calgary: never rebuild, just plug and patch to stay mediocre all the time.
I like Backlund and he would be a decent fit. But he is 34 and little chance to be extended here. It is too much for a 1 year rental
Repeat after me, the Red Wings have 659,556,123 LD and do not need hanifan
Quoting: JhonnyCanuck5
Wings decline. I like Hanifin but Detroit already has too many LD.
I agree! In my mind this would constitute them moving Chiarot to RD, and trying to move Määttä out (as was rumoured at the deadline). Hanifin is 26 and I think the exact player the Wings should target if they wish to compete with the team as they have built it. He's the same age as Larkin and I see him fitting in as their new #1 LD. Idk its just a move I would make. If we're talking prospects yea they have way too many LD prospects, I could see them shipping one out to fill in a hole. This fit with Hanifin and Vladar just feels too good for me.
Minnesota doesn't have 29 mil next year. Thus upcoming season and ne t year, they are still under cap hell. They haven't traded a 1st and top prospect under Guerin's management and they won't start now
Capfriendly says they have 29mil projected next year. This is with Zuc/Foligno/MAF/Goligoski/Hartman all expiring.
I hope they do trade a 1st and top prospect, its the type of move they need to make to avoid being stuck in the purgatory they are currently in. Even if Rossi in 2-3 years develops into a #1C having Rossi/Ek as their top 2 C's isn't built to win a cup. You need to strength up the middle. They should consider a move like this imo...
Capfriendly says they have 29mil projected next year. This is with Zuc/Foligno/MAF/Goligoski/Hartman all expiring.
I hope they do trade a 1st and top prospect, its the type of move they need to make to avoid being stuck in the purgatory they are currently in. Even if Rossi in 2-3 years develops into a #1C having Rossi/Ek as their top 2 C's isn't built to win a cup. You need to strength up the middle. They should consider a move like this imo...
Capfriendly.com isn't up to date at all. Boldy extension is kicking in, the Parise and suter thing goes up, as well Minnesota needs to put together a roster. Sorry but Minnesota will not give up 1st round pick or top prospect while their in cap hell for two more years
I hope the Flames draft Felix Unger Sorum with one of their late picks. He has the potential to be like Backlund, I'm super high on him.
I am too!!! (so I hope the Flames don't take him lol). I have him going in the late 3rd round though which the Flames don't have a pick in so I couldn't mock him to them. I'm also not trying to mock the same players to the teams I focus on making threads about just because I'm trying to keep it realistic and avoid bias I might have.
I agree! In my mind this would constitute them moving Chiarot to RD, and trying to move Määttä out (as was rumoured at the deadline). Hanifin is 26 and I think the exact player the Wings should target if they wish to compete with the team as they have built it. He's the same age as Larkin and I see him fitting in as their new #1 LD. Idk its just a move I would make. If we're talking prospects yea they have way too many LD prospects, I could see them shipping one out to fill in a hole. This fit with Hanifin and Vladar just feels too good for me.
I respect what you are saying However even if chariot goes to RD, they signed Maata to a 2 year deal so he won't be moved. Can't see them doing this, with Edvinsson and Johansson NHL ready
I agree! In my mind this would constitute them moving Chiarot to RD, and trying to move Määttä out (as was rumoured at the deadline). Hanifin is 26 and I think the exact player the Wings should target if they wish to compete with the team as they have built it. He's the same age as Larkin and I see him fitting in as their new #1 LD. Idk its just a move I would make. If we're talking prospects yea they have way too many LD prospects, I could see them shipping one out to fill in a hole. This fit with Hanifin and Vladar just feels too good for me.
I like the idea of Hanifin a lot. It’s just not a fit. Chiarot will play RD this season and Maatta has 2 years left but it’s not even those guys. Walman is Seider’s perfect partner(somehow), Edvinsson and Johansson are all NHL ready and 20 and 22 respectively. And that’s not even counting Wallinder who could be NHL ready as early as mid-season. Plus McIssac who could make the jump this season. Obviously I’d take Hanifin over a couple of those guys, but not with picks and Zadina attached.
Minnesota's difficulty would be resigning Lindholm. I'm surprised they haven't initiated a retool themselves due to the buyout penalties. I would say that Columbus would be a natural fit if Calgary were to trade Lindholm. He has natural chemistry with Gudreau and Columbus has the assets to pay for a top line center. They also aren't in the same conference, so that's an advantage.
If Calgary is trading Lindholm, and Backlund, Toffoli and Tanev will be moved as well. This would trigger a full rebuild for them. Kadri isn't a number one C and I could see Boston or Toronto looking at Kadri given their soft performances in the post season. That's not to say Calgary would get any material return on him given his contract. What most fans fail to understand is that the last 3 years of that contract will likely be on LTIR. His style of play doesn't lend itself to longevity.
Thanks man.
The re-signing is what is making trading UFA's so difficult for me. To be honest the conditions I had were all on the guys re-signing before I learnt that they changed that in the CBA a couple years ago.
I thought about Columbus too but I thought they might be hesitant to give up assets for a guy they could otherwise attract in free agency. Lindholm won't make them a playoff team so whats the point of adding him this year kind of thing.
Kadri would be a DREAM on BOS lol, but i really think Tanev and Toffoli stay, from what I've read they both have young families and both really like Calgary. They've also been here a bit shorter than Lindholm and Backlund (who might just want a change of scenery). I don't think trading 2 means the other two have to also be traded, but I do think those two groups of two players are tied to each other (Backlund/Lindholm and Toffoli/Tanev).
I also thing a full rebuild might be what's best for Calgary but I didn't want to get too unrealistic or have fans mad at me hahaha
The re-signing is what is making trading UFA's so difficult for me. To be honest the conditions I had were all on the guys re-signing before I learnt that they changed that in the CBA a couple years ago.
I thought about Columbus too but I thought they might be hesitant to give up assets for a guy they could otherwise attract in free agency. Lindholm won't make them a playoff team so whats the point of adding him this year kind of thing.
Kadri would be a DREAM on BOS lol, but i really think Tanev and Toffoli stay, from what I've read they both have young families and both really like Calgary. They've also been here a bit shorter than Lindholm and Backlund (who might just want a change of scenery). I don't think trading 2 means the other two have to also be traded, but I do think those two groups of two players are tied to each other (Backlund/Lindholm and Toffoli/Tanev).
I also thing a full rebuild might be what's best for Calgary but I didn't want to get too unrealistic or have fans mad at me hahaha
I mean, Columbus would have 2/3rds of the best line in hockey from last year. If they made a play for Hanifin as well it would push them into playoff contention. They had a ton of injuries this year, and they have a timeline after signing Laine and Gudreau. You don't want to spend the best years of those contracts waiting for a center to develop. They don't want to be in a perpetual rebuild. It's a deep prospect pool in Ohio.
The issue with trading Backlund and Lindholm and not rebuilding is that they are way to weak at center to compete. It makes no sense to keep anyone else at that point: Kadri as 1C, compher (really a 3C), Dube plays wing not center and Zary is just scratching the NHL.
Calgary's ownership has been historically short sighted and always pushed for a playoff seed regardless if they can succeed in the playoffs. Mediocrity pays the bills but doesn't win cups. Edwards seems content with that MO