Originally Posted by Enoch Root
I know people want everyone traded. Yesterday. But that isn't realistic. And I think the Flames are very reticent to rush things - they aren't throwing young players into the deep end, until they know they are ready. My guesses on likelihood and timing of trades:
Coleman: Could be this year or next. But my feeling is that the Flames have committed to trying to A) a deeper rebuild dive, and B) a quicker time line for it. So my guess is that he goes this year. As with Andersson (and Lomberg too), it tears the heart right out of the roster though. Also like Andersson, it needs to happen. But it also sucks.
Kadri: The toughest, because it requires the perfect dance partner, and as such, maybe it doesn't happen until next year. The challenge of course, is that his value could drop significantly. I really hope they strike while the timing is favourable, but I suspect they won't.
Weegar: The leader of the D core, and possible next captain. Absolutely no way they trade him this year, IMO, and unlikely next year either. Beyond that, once the young guys start to take over the top spots, he becomes movable (unless he is the captain).
Whitecloud: there will be significant interest this year, and maybe Conroy bites, if an offer is attractive enough, but I think it's more likely they look to move him next year. Bahl, Kuznetsov, and Brzustewicz have all progressed more than the Flames probably expected though, so that makes moving him this year a possibility.
Pospisil: If he gets healthy in time, I think they move him. Is he worth a 2nd? A 3rd? I have no idea.
Lomberg: The most likely to be traded, IMO. Character guy, awesome in the room - absolute beauty! But he's a UFA and it's time. Talentwise, he's probably worth a 4th, but due to his character, leadership, and track record with FLA's cup run, he probably returns a 3rd.
Pachal and Hanley: Again, the Flames aren't throwing young guys to the wolves, and that is why they were keeping these two and Bean and Miromanov around. But Brz and Kuz have developed into full time NHLers, so now these guys can be moved. My guess is one this year, and one next year.
Kirkland: Does anyone grab him as insurance for the playoffs, for a 5th, or something like that? It's possible.
Overall, I think we see one of Kadri or Coleman moved, at least one of Lomberg and Pospisil, and one of Pachal or Hanley. If I were betting on Whitecloud, I would bet on next year.
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