Been thinking if the flames were to trade Andersson before the start of the season… what would be considered a good return? As in the minimum return required for the flames to make the deal?
Pre-draft, I figured a pick in the top 12 would be enough - especially if one of Iginla or Catton were available. But we’re past the point of being able to trade Andersson for a first round pick that we would know for sure where it sits (i.e. in the top half of an upcoming draft or the bottom half of an upcoming draft).
My guess would be that Conroy would have been ready to make the trade at the draft a few weeks ago but would now need some greater incentive to trade Andersson since he has 2 years left on his deal. Unless he takes a steep decline in his game (hopefully not), he should easily return a late first round pick + 3rd round pick + B-level prospect at the 2026 trade deadline. So any trade right now would have to be much more than that for Conroy to consider it IMO. If I’m right about that, a potential return for Andersson this summer could look like this:
1st round pick in 2025 (lottery-protected)
2nd round pick in 2025
A-level prospect or young (<23 years old) NHL player with star potential that has not been reached
To be clear, I don’t think Andersson will be traded this summer. I think it will take some kind of pressure either on the the flames (for example: a trade request) or on another team (for example: a long-term injury to a top 3 defenceman on a contending team) in order for that to happen. I could see him being dealt at the trade deadline because he will have a year still left on his deal. Honestly can’t think of a team that would/could spend the kind of assets required to get Andersson right now. Ottawa would be the best bet IMO but they don’t have a first round pick next year.
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