Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinny01
I am fascinated by what the Flames are going to do over the next 4-6 weeks. While the goal to get younger is clear I am not convinced every move is going to be about 2026-2027 and they may make moves to try and be better next year. With that said it should be a goal to pick in the top 10 due to the conditions of the Monahan trade.
Moving Markstrom makes a ton of sense as he is 34, has solid trade value, and seemingly is looking for a change.
The moves Conroy made last year make sense if you are on team tank or on team compete. You already have many players on this roster with term being 30+ in Huberdeau, Weegar, Kadri, Coleman, Backlund. They were prepared to do it with Lindholm and Hanifin (would have been 34 when his 8 year deal expired) but that was about it as Toffoli, Zadorov, Tanev were not offered 5+ year deals. When you move pending UFA’s the return is almost always futures based.
We know Conroy is not going to chase 30+ guys via trade or free agency and give a huge contract or pay big assets. I wouldn’t be surprised though if he was chasing a Laine, Zegras, Necas or any other low-mid 20’s player up front on on the blueline that can make an impact immediately. I think the quest to find someone to play with Huberdeau remains and there are likely people in the org who think if they can unlock Huby they can compete.
|
Flames were 8-13 after the trade deadline. The first game after the deadline they beat Tampa, they shortly after that they beat Vegas. Other than that, they were very bad losing a ton of games. But the season was winding down, they then won a few games against SJ, ARZ, Sharks x 2, Montreal, Ducks.
The Flames were 8-13 we a very easy schedule after the deadline. They are a bottom team and are trading Markstrom.
Even if the look at buy low guys like Laine and Zegras or guys like Necas who they think might pop, as long as the deal has players going back it does not risk this team trying to win now and that they are not embracing a rebuild.
Guys like Weegar, Rasmus, Coleman, Backlund all want to stay, but the Flames had 81 points. If that turns to 65-70, some are going to want out. Most years you don't need to be 55-60 points to be bottom 3 and most teams that rebuild have ups and downs in the standings. No team ever finished with 50-55 points 5 straight years. Some years you get 55 next year it's 65. I really can't wait til the next move, way too much panic around here.