Three players I'd like to see the Flames aim for via trades, that are possibly avalilable and IMO are young enough to help next season and beyond are:
Paul Stastny - 27 year old center, his big cap hit doesn't matter anymore, and next year is his contract year. If he fits in, he could probably be resigned to a more cap friendly deal moving forward.
Tyler Myers - 23 year old former Calder winner who has struggled for two seasons now. Don't know if he could be had, or for what but a change of scenery might be what he needs for a turn around. He's huge, mobile, capable of logging big minutes and definitely "pre-apex". Also a right handed shot, which is something our system sorely lacks going forward.
Jamie McBain - 25 year old D-man who was rumoured to be available. IMO he is a very similar player to Giordano, but has more offensive upside. Also a right handed shot, and just reaching his prime.
I don't know how things would/will shake out on the wings, but I'd be pretty happy if the Flames went into next season looking like this down the middle....
Stastny (27)
Backlund (24)
MacKinnon (18)
...and maybe snag a veteran, two way, good sized, physical 3rd/4th line center who is strong in the face off dot. (Eg. Boyd Gordon, Jerrod Smithson)
Then on D.....
Giordano (30) - Myers (23)
Brodie (23) - Wideman (29)
Breen (23) - McBain (25)
...Breen would be pretty much the only one really battling for his spot, as the rest are already proven NHL D-men.
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