Quote:
Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
I doubt a core player moves by the trade deadline, but it isn't that much of a reach, especially considering that the core players (for the most part) are signed to friendlier deals (though you can also make the argument that this season, they probably haven't lived up to them!). Anyway, ignoring the core, these are the Flames UFAs and RFAs that could be moved-out this trade deadline (and in no particular order):
Forwards:
Sam Bennett - RFA - We all know his name has been out there
Derek Ryan - UFA - useful depth player - I think he will move
Josh Leivo - UFA - I doubt he gets much interest
Brett Ritchie - UFA - I am starting to think he gets moved - big, fast, not horrible (just has no business playing on a top line!), very physical - good depth piece for a playoff team I argue
Joakim Nordstrom - UFA - terrible season so I doubt he gets moved, but he has been noticed for his strong playoffs in Boston before, so who knows?
Dillon Dube - RFA - doubt he moves, but...no seriously, don't move him.
Dominik Simon - RFA - see Nordstrom.
Defencemen:
Michael Stone - UFA - Doubt any other team even thinks of this given his games played, but making minimum.
Nikita Nesterov - UFA - Not much value here I don't think, but making minimum.
Oliver Kylington - Wonder if he ends up being moved.
Goalies:
David Rittich - UFA - I think he gets moved personally. If you can't really trust your backup, but you think you can make a run, it would suck not to have some insurance there.
My take is that they shop Bennett now - he is a proven 'does way better in the playoffs', and I think has earned his reputation as a playoff performer since his "18 year old Sam Bennett" time. I think Ryan gets moved, and I bet that Ritchie gets moved too - I think Toronto could use a bit of the sandpaper that Ritchie provides, but without being a player that can lose you a game. Not much value, but he will be moved I bet. I also think Rittich moves (and I will miss him).
Bennett, Ryan, Ritchie and Rittich are the players that get moved. This team doesn't like players that start with the letter R, and Bennett. I think the Flames see themselves as being out of it, and expect them to start selling.
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I think the Leafs make a lot of sense as a trade partner for the Flames.
They want more grit and toughness and Bennett makes a ton of sense, local boy doesn't hurt and the media would love hype train. Bennett would instantly become a great steal and would be elevated back to Gilmour type potential by Toronto media.
Rittich also make a lot of sense. It's starting to look like Campbell is wrestling the number 1 spot away from Andersson. Rittich has always played very well against the Leafs. A swap of Rittich and ANdersson gives the Leafs a lot more options to shore up other areas as Rittich makes a lot less and the Flames could probably retain too.
Giordano also makes sense to go to the Leafs. He could pair with Brodie again or he could anchor a third pairing and also work the second unit powerplay for them. Flames might have to retain some salary there. I know Gio moved out to Calgary permanently, but I chance to win a cup in Toronto would be hard for him to say no to.
I think if the Leafs picked up those 3 players, they'd be set for a long run.
Flames would have to get some good assets back. I'd want at least a first round pick or a top prospect. Flames might have to take a guy like Kerfoot back to balance salaries out. Kerfoot could stick around or get moved for something else. Andersson could get moved for something else as he obviously wouldn't be in the long term plans.