Paying a 1st for Howard would be insane. I'm not not a fan of replacing the 3rd oldest goalie in the NHL with the 5th oldest goalie in the NHL.
If they Flames trade their 1st (which they shouldn't), it should be for someone who is young, has solid numbers, and has a reasonable track record.
Jones, Anderssen, Varlamov, Talbot and Raanta all went for 1st's or something around that. That's what you should be getting in return.
Lehner is the most notable option is who is both young and has decent numbers. They could have signed him for free as a UFA this summer, but I would still be in favor of acquiring him. I don't see why the Islanders would trade him right now.
Other than that, just go for a cheap yet effective backup like McElhinney. There are plenty of options like him.
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