[gvitaly]

The Flames managed to build up some depth on the blue line, so much so that we are almost certain that a Defenseman will be dealt this summer. I wanted to take a deeper look at potential trade partners or lack of partners. So which teams are less likely to be interested in Brodie/Hamonic/Stone?

The first place I looked was teams that have a lot of cap already committed to defense. ARI(31.3M), Pit(28.9M), LAK(26.8M), CAR(26.8M), NAS(26.5M), EDM(26.2M),Min(25.9M), WAS(24.6M), NYR(23.7M), SJS(23.5M). Followed by teams that will feel the cap crunch this summer in VGK, PIT, NAS, TBL, TOR, EDM, WPG, and SJS.

Then I looked at teams with a better defense than the Flames last year. The simplest way for this discussion is to look at goals against. NYI, DAL*, BOS, NAS, STL, ARI, TBL, CAR, all allowed less goals against than the Flames. Out of those teams only Dallas will be looking to add to their defense core.

Which leaves us with ANA, BUF, CHI, CLB, DAL, DET, FLA, MTL, NJD, OTT, PHI, and VAN. All those teams aside from CLB, and DAL missed the playoffs. I also find it less likely that a team in a rebuild would commit to an upcoming UFA. Which further narrows it down to CLB, DAL, FLA, MTL, VAN, and maybe ANA, CHI, or PHI. Out of that group, CLB seems like it has its D set. It leaves us with a potential of 4-7 trade partners, two of which are division rivals.

If you are still with me, I look forward to hearing your opinion on the limited options. Do you still think we will be able to shed salary from the back end? Will they be able to get a player back if so whom? Or is it going to be a hockey trade and the Flames will look to save cap space elsewhere?


PS: The only trade that really jumps at me is around Brodie for Khudobin and a pick.