2016/2017 Trade Speculation and Rumors

[djsFlames]

The biggest "instant gratification" deal the Flames could make is swap for a capable goaltender that could provide the .920 they need down the stretch (and with expansion there will be a handful of options available).

A slightly better option than Wideman for the #4 spot or a top 9 winger won't change their fortunes in the final 20+ games. Those are deals they can make post-expansion.

[Weitz]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

The biggest "instant gratification" deal the Flames could make is swap for a capable goaltender that could provide the .920 they need down the stretch (and with expansion there will be a handful of options available).

A slightly better option than Wideman for the #4 spot or a top 9 winger won't change their fortunes in the final 20+ games. Those are deals they can make post-expansion.

I think there are one or two .920 goalies that are available.

Howard? Maybe one of the Buffalo goalies?

[Bourque's Twin]

Why would the Flames trade for Nazem Kadri? #1 and #2 C's are set. Unless someone is better why would they do that?

[djsFlames]

I honestly don't know who the answer would be. Preferably a vet goalie with a track record on a near expiring deal that can be a 'prove it to me' experiment down the stretch.

If we're falling out of it in 3 weeks then perhaps a move for a younger, up and coming goalie that has broken into the NHL already.

[PepsiFree]

Please, no goalies over 25, but definitely none over 30.

Plenty of potential options that age or younger that may be ready for a starters role or a change of scenery.

Saros, Grubauer, Lehner, are all under 25/under.
Darling is 28, Nilsson is 26, Kinkaid is 27, Raanta is 27.

There is no reason to grab someone like MAF, Howard, Bishop, etc when we should be focused on both the present and the future.

[Vinny01]

I have no issue bringing in a 30+ goalie and certainly no issue with a goalie that is 25-30. Flames can let Gillies develop for 2-3 years which is good.

Agreed I with those that do not want a 30+ goalie with a 5+ year term.

[djsFlames]

Lehner has good numbers despite seeing a heavy volume of shots on a regular basis.

2.54 GAA but a solid .923 (indicative of the above). He's played in a lot of games, so the numbers bode well for starter potential.

Raanta also has performed well this year. But you'd think NYR would keep him over the King.

Grubauer is an option, with the Caps very possibly losing him if it came to expansion, and Holtby being the go to guy there still. That's a feasible under-25 acquisition.
Only 15 GP, but a 1.98 GAA and .931

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

Please, no goalies over 25, but definitely none over 30.

Plenty of potential options that age or younger that may be ready for a starters role or a change of scenery.

Saros, Grubauer, Lehner, are all under 25/under.
Darling is 28, Nilsson is 26, Kinkaid is 27, Raanta is 27.

There is no reason to grab someone like MAF, Howard, Bishop, etc when we should be focused on both the present and the future.

A lot of those goalies you name that are younger could be complete busts. Not sure the Flames should pursue them for trade when they have prospects in the system that can work or keep the goalies they have.

[DionTheDman]

We should probably address some of the systemic problems with our goaltending (such as coaching, as has been hypothesized) before we start running the goaltender carousel on an annual basis.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

A lot of those goalies you name that are younger could be complete busts. Not sure the Flames should pursue them for trade when they have prospects in the system that can work or keep the goalies they have.

That's irrelevant. There are risks to acquiring almost any player (especially goaltenders) and having them bust. Elliott says hello.

You don't get guys like Jones, Talbot, or Andersen by sitting on your hands. You go after great backups and give them rope.

The Flames don't have anyone close to taking over the starter role in the system, and both Johnson and Elliott have been underwhelming.

Factoring in that all of the tenders I named are either backups or in tandem roles, along with the upcoming expansion draft, the acquisition cost would be low and not something to be worried about.

Certainly no where close to the cost of picking up Bishop, MAF, or Howard.

[The Coppernian One]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

That's irrelevant. There are risks to acquiring almost any player (especially goaltenders) and having them bust. Elliott says hello.

You don't get guys like Jones, Talbot, or Andersen by sitting on your hands. You go after great backups and give them rope.

The Flames don't have anyone close to taking over the starter role in the system, and both Johnson and Elliott have been underwhelming.

Factoring in that all of the tenders I named are either backups or in tandem roles, along with the upcoming expansion draft, the acquisition cost would be low and not something to be worried about.

Certainly no where close to the cost of picking up Bishop, MAF, or Howard.

Things to remember about the expansion draft. A Nashville or Jersey may just choose to "protect" both guys by making a deal and sending a pick Las Vegas' way. Some teams may chose to gamble as well if they're looking at all of the goalie options available, combined with what they have to expose. They can only lose one player, as far as I know. If the GM thinks better goalie options will be available and a more attractive defender or forward is available on their own team, they may choose to gamble. The expansion draft isn't necessarily making goalies available or at a low cost.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

That's irrelevant. There are risks to acquiring almost any player (especially goaltenders) and having them bust. Elliott says hello.

You don't get guys like Jones, Talbot, or Andersen by sitting on your hands. You go after great backups and give them rope.

The Flames don't have anyone close to taking over the starter role in the system, and both Johnson and Elliott have been underwhelming.

Factoring in that all of the tenders I named are either backups or in tandem roles, along with the upcoming expansion draft, the acquisition cost would be low and not something to be worried about.

Certainly no where close to the cost of picking up Bishop, MAF, or Howard.

Agree that it is time to take a risk here and hope that our pro scouts know what they are doing.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

That's irrelevant. There are risks to acquiring almost any player (especially goaltenders) and having them bust. Elliott says hello.

You don't get guys like Jones, Talbot, or Andersen by sitting on your hands. You go after great backups and give them rope.

The Flames don't have anyone close to taking over the starter role in the system, and both Johnson and Elliott have been underwhelming.

Factoring in that all of the tenders I named are either backups or in tandem roles, along with the upcoming expansion draft, the acquisition cost would be low and not something to be worried about.

Certainly no where close to the cost of picking up Bishop, MAF, or Howard.

I actually think there are 2 questions that need asking in regards to goaltending.

Is the Goaltending the flames have now good enough to make the playoffs with improvements to the rest of the roster? I think it is.

Is the Goaltending the flames have now good enough to contend for the Stanley Cup with improvements to the rest of the roster? I don't think it is.

I think in regards to a rebuild, elite goaltending is a quality that should be added towards the end of a rebuild if possible because it is often the hardest thing to identify in young players and is often costly in terms of cap.

I think if you added a top 6 RW and a legit top 4 defender to this current Flames roster (and subtracted Wideman), Elliott/Johnson is a good enough tandem to get you to the playoffs. No one would confuse you with a contender, but you'd be ahead of the oilers and canucks in the standings.

I would consider re-signing both goalies but especially Johnson. He's arguably been worse than Elliott but I think he's adequate and will have the lightest impact on the cap.

2-3 years from now is when you need to have an elite goalie in place. That's enough time for a goalie prospect or two to take the position over, or to make it clear the team needs to look outside the organisation.

Right now they need a guy who will give them a chance to win every night if he gets the goal support. Eventually if they want to be a cup champion they'll need a goalie who can shut the door when he isn't getting the goal support.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

I actually think there are 2 questions that need asking in regards to goaltending.

Is the Goaltending the flames have now good enough to make the playoffs with improvements to the rest of the roster? I think it is.

Is the Goaltending the flames have now good enough to contend for the Stanley Cup with improvements to the rest of the roster? I don't think it is.

I think in regards to a rebuild, elite goaltending is a quality that should be added towards the end of a rebuild if possible because it is often the hardest thing to identify in young players and is often costly in terms of cap.

I think if you added a top 6 RW and a legit top 4 defender to this current Flames roster (and subtracted Wideman), Elliott/Johnson is a good enough tandem to get you to the playoffs. No one would confuse you with a contender, but you'd be ahead of the oilers and canucks in the standings.

I would consider re-signing both goalies but especially Johnson. He's arguably been worse than Elliott but I think he's adequate and will have the lightest impact on the cap.

2-3 years from now is when you need to have an elite goalie in place. That's enough time for a goalie prospect or two to take the position over, or to make it clear the team needs to look outside the organisation.

Right now they need a guy who will give them a chance to win every night if he gets the goal support. Eventually if they want to be a cup champion they'll need a goalie who can shut the door when he isn't getting the goal support.

Johnson's .913 SV% vs Elliot's .895 begs to differ.

But I do think Johnson's poor performances have been worse than Elliott's. Still, overall, he's been better. And I too would resign him. He's a great option for a backup at the very least.

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Ugh, Boyle has the Flames number.

And? He's a UFA this summer and we don't play the Oilers again this year.

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by Fighting Banana Slug

Pavelec at #9 is all you need to know about how crappy this list looks.

Isn't that the most likely to be moved, not the best available?

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by DionTheDman

We should probably address some of the systemic problems with our goaltending (such as coaching, as has been hypothesized) before we start running the goaltender carousel on an annual basis.

The players in front of the goalies is the biggest issue. Our defensive group was terrible last year and it's even worse this year but due to a system upgrade it's not performing quite as poorly but still needs to be very much improved.

[Johnny Rotten]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

I actually think there are 2 questions that need asking in regards to goaltending.

Is the Goaltending the flames have now good enough to make the playoffs with improvements to the rest of the roster? I think it is.

Is the Goaltending the flames have now good enough to contend for the Stanley Cup with improvements to the rest of the roster? I don't think it is.

I think in regards to a rebuild, elite goaltending is a quality that should be added towards the end of a rebuild if possible because it is often the hardest thing to identify in young players and is often costly in terms of cap.

I think if you added a top 6 RW and a legit top 4 defender to this current Flames roster (and subtracted Wideman), Elliott/Johnson is a good enough tandem to get you to the playoffs. No one would confuse you with a contender, but you'd be ahead of the oilers and canucks in the standings.

I would consider re-signing both goalies but especially Johnson. He's arguably been worse than Elliott but I think he's adequate and will have the lightest impact on the cap.

2-3 years from now is when you need to have an elite goalie in place. That's enough time for a goalie prospect or two to take the position over, or to make it clear the team needs to look outside the organisation.

Right now they need a guy who will give them a chance to win every night if he gets the goal support. Eventually if they want to be a cup champion they'll need a goalie who can shut the door when he isn't getting the goal support.

Your comments make sense to me. These three guys have mentioned by some fans as being guys whom the Flames COULD acquire: Fleury, Bishop, and Howard.

Bishop is 30, Fleury and Howard are 32, but with only two years left @ 5.75 for Fleury, and two years left at $5,291,667 for Howard, I think I'd prefer Fleury or Howard over Bishop. In that time, hopefully, a Gillies or Parsons, etc., will turn out to be a number one goalie.

My concern with Bishop is signing him as a UFA to a long-term contract at maybe 6-7 million dollars for 6-7 years. Too long for my liking. And I'm not sure he is a top five goalie.

Since probably Fleury and Howard may won't be protected, the asking value for either may not be too extravagant.

Fleury or Howard could possibly stem the time until (HOPEFULLY), a Gillies or Parsons are ready to assume the #1 spot.

But, I'm really not sure what the best thing for the Flames to do.

Hopefully, Elliott and/or Johnson get hot!

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by DionTheDman

We should probably address some of the systemic problems with our goaltending (such as coaching, as has been hypothesized) before we start running the goaltender carousel on an annual basis.

How many goalies do we have to go through before we start to look at team defence?

[Heavy Jack]

To me the guys we should be looking at earnestly are:

Vrbata - Treliving and Gulutzan connections, putting up great numbers on a bad Phoenix team, RW that can slot into the top spot with Johnny/Mony

Vanek - Similar numbers to Vrbata less the connections to the management/staff, RW that can slot into the top spot with Johnny/Mony

Berglund - 100+ hits already and a big mean body that can play a 200 foot game, 700 faceoffs/51%, 12 G - can be used in lots of situations

Iginla - The story writes itself, RW - probably not full time with Johnny/Mony but certain situations for sure, just really would like to see this happen.

Stone - Still young, big, mean RHD that IMO could potentially replace Engs though that will be tricky with the expansion draft and what not. This is the guy we should be looking at to bring in for Brodie's right side. None of our current defenders have ever thrown 200+ hits in a season like Stone has, hope we take a stab at this one.