2018/2019 Trade Speculation and Rumors

[Psytic]

Originally Posted by underGRADFlame

Something involving Frolik for Eberle is a move I could see happening along with some other bit piece moves.

Frolik has been almost as good as Eberle this year and we would have to give up picks or prospects for a very minor to lateral upgrade on offence and a degrade on defence. I guess if you look at it from the angle that Frolik probably isnt coming back (the way his agent is acting) and Eberle is from Alberta so may actually sign here it could work.

[Classic_Sniper]

Originally Posted by Stauner

If Neal starts producing points it will be like acquiring a player at the deadline

I don't feel like we should be making any huge trades, maybe depth players for tougher playoff hockey but that's about it

I’m not actually against this idea. In fact, I actually think this is the more likely scenario due to future cap constraints. But to add that big piece that puts us over the top and makes us Stanley Cup favorites for a long time is very enticing.

I’ve seen and heard a lot of this “if Neal starts producing” for months now. It would be highly beneficial, but it’s a lot to ask based on what we’ve seen so far from him. He’s picked up his play a bit lately, but what happens when he starts to play lazy and lathargic hockey again for another long stretch, that’s not going to help this team at all in the bigger games good forward.

[bluejays]

A few thoughts on Duchene. To me he's been a little disappointing on Ottawa compared to his early years in Colorado. I don't blame Ottawa for acquiring him, but I didn't see his play being so up and down. Having said this, EVERY team could use a skilled guy like him. So the question is at what price? If there's one team who can be ripped off, it's Ottawa, but when every team inquires about him, it's unlikely to happen. Secondly, if somehow the Flames are able to acquire him with a 1st and filler, at $9M/season there's not much money to be given to guys like Tkachuk and other young guys. Those younger guys then would have to be dealt which I'm not sure many are keen on (especially dealing from a weaker position). So economically, I don't see it possible.

[Hockeyguy15]

Im wondering if Frolik has talked to his agent and management and said he wants to stay. He’s on the team leading the West with a legitimate shot at taking a run at a cup, why would you want to be moved away from that? Maybe in the off-season but sure as hell not now.

[dissentowner]

Seeing how well Kronwall played the other night he still has plenty in the tank. Trade them a guy like Lazar for him and call it at day at the deadline.

[Samonadreau]

Originally Posted by Ryan Coke

Unless you can get a Mark Stone or Brayden Schenn to upgrade the middle six depth, I’d stick with a bigger body who can play a regular shift to bump that Mangiapane/Czarnik spot off the lineup. A guy who has some physicality that can help wear down the opposition D in a long series and play against bigger teams like San Jose and Winnipeg.

We may already have that in Lazar

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by underGRADFlame

Something involving Frolik for Eberle is a move I could see happening along with some other bit piece moves.

Originally Posted by Psytic

Frolik has been almost as good as Eberle this year and we would have to give up picks or prospects for a very minor to lateral upgrade on offence and a degrade on defence. I guess if you look at it from the angle that Frolik probably isnt coming back (the way his agent is acting) and Eberle is from Alberta so may actually sign here it could work.

Frolik.: 0.55 PPG
Eberle: 0.53 PPG

Frolik has been more productive than Eberle. And he plays defense. And he is cheaper.

[underGRADFlame]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Frolik.: 0.55 PPG
Eberle: 0.53 PPG

Frolik has been more productive than Eberle. And he plays defense. And he is cheaper.

Eberle is on an expiring contract and is playing well below his average point production. Frolik is about average for his point production, and is clearly not happy with his spot, I think the move could not only benefit both players but both teams as NYI is looking like a good bet for the post season.

Eberle would look great on the 2nd PP unit as a right hand shot, as well and having him and Neal as your 2/3 line RWers brings up some great options.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Frolik.: 0.55 PPG
Eberle: 0.53 PPG

Frolik has been more productive than Eberle. And he plays defense. And he is cheaper.

But world juniors!! And draft ranking!

Ugh.

[oldschoolcalgary]

a depth backup goalie, mainly as an insurance policy for Rittich and Smith is the biggest target imo... i mean, i don't think anyone is comfortable with Gillies as the 3rd goalie are they?

otherwise, i hop Brad just tinkers a few things rather than making any major overhauls to a team that currently sits 2nd in the NHL... the worst thing you can do is mess with the team's chemistry... if you can make an acquisition using picks/prospects that would make sense... Trading core pieces becomes more risky imo.... previously, i was hoping for Eberle, but i don't think that happens anymore, especially with Frolik, seemingly, happy again and the NYI currently vying for the top spot in the East

Bennett alluded to the how close this team is

"Our team's really comfortable right now," Bennett said. "I think what makes us so dominant is that we have all lines that can contribute and everyone's on the same page. And this is the closest group that I've ever played with. Our team is so close and it's fun coming to the rink every day."

https://www.nhl.com/news/calgary-for...?tid=277548856

messing around simply for the new shiny toy makes little sense if you are sitting 2nd overall.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper

This is about adding depth though. If you add a top liner like Duchene for instance, you get a ppg player who can dominate the opposition’s second line. The that essentially pushes Backlund and Frolik down to the 3rd line where they can dominate other 3rd lines. The Gaudreau line routinely dominates already, so that’s a given.

Totally understood. The problem with that is by pushing Backlund down, you immediately mess with the chemistry of 3/4 lines and add a big minute guy who should be a line driver, and if the chemistry isn’t there, you’re messing with Tkachuk.

Again, I get the “adding at the top creates depth too” argument, but a team this tight and this proficient at the top both doesnt NEED a change, and is at risk of change having a negative impact.

A bottom six C/LW, a 6/7 D, and goalie depth. These are the three things that make sense for this group. They’re playing well, the faults are minimal. Identify where those faults are and address them directly.

Acquiring Duchene or Stone is like buying BMW when you just need a commuter. Yeah, it will solve your problem. But you’re spending more to get benefits you don’t need, and it’s going to cost you more (and perhaps enough to create another, different problem).

Address the needs. That’s how you contend. Not just buying luxury items.

[The Boy Wonder]

Flames need to add toughness.

The game changes in the playoffs and we need guys who will send a message that slashing johnnys wrists won’t be tolerated, because you know for a fact that other teams are going to take liberties and id rather not have hamonic, Bennett, chuckie and gio being the enforcers. Ryan, mangiapanne, czarnik and dube are not strong enough

[Kasi]

Ryan is certainly tough enough. I do agree with you on the others but Ryan should in now way be lumped with them. Ryan will go into corners and he will battle for the puck. He’s not big no but he’s tough, strong and takes a ton of punishment. You really don’t need enforcers but you do need guys who aren’t afraid to be physical and Ryan qualifies.

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by Kasi

Ryan is certainly tough enough. I do agree with you on the others but Ryan should in now way be lumped with them. Ryan will go into corners and he will battle for the puck. He’s not big no but he’s tough, strong and takes a ton of punishment. You really don’t need enforcers but you do need guys who aren’t afraid to be physical and Ryan qualifies.

Like his tenacity and his compete, but I'm not sure he will survive multiple series battling in the corners. He may be willing,but sinner or later he will be physically dominated.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by The Boy Wonder

Flames need to add toughness.

The game changes in the playoffs and we need guys who will send a message that slashing johnnys wrists won’t be tolerated, because you know for a fact that other teams are going to take liberties and id rather not have hamonic, Bennett, chuckie and gio being the enforcers. Ryan, mangiapanne, czarnik and dube are not strong enough

Biggest deterrent is a dangerous power play

[Classic_Sniper]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

Totally understood. The problem with that is by pushing Backlund down, you immediately mess with the chemistry of 3/4 lines and add a big minute guy who should be a line driver, and if the chemistry isn’t there, you’re messing with Tkachuk.

Again, I get the “adding at the top creates depth too” argument, but a team this tight and this proficient at the top both doesnt NEED a change, and is at risk of change having a negative impact.

A bottom six C/LW, a 6/7 D, and goalie depth. These are the three things that make sense for this group. They’re playing well, the faults are minimal. Identify where those faults are and address them directly.

Acquiring Duchene or Stone is like buying BMW when you just need a commuter. Yeah, it will solve your problem. But you’re spending more to get benefits you don’t need, and it’s going to cost you more (and perhaps enough to create another, different problem).

Address the needs. That’s how you contend. Not just buying luxury items.

I get the line of thinking in regards to messing with chemistry, but the 2nd, 3rd and 4th lines have actually seen lapses in chemistry all season long. That’s why we’ve seen so much line juggling and constant scratching of players. If the team can add a stabilizing force that can drive play further, then that can only be a strength for this team. As long as the 1st line is untouched, i see it as a good thing because the bottom 6 has been the weakest aspect of the forward group this season.

I don’t really buy into the whole notion of a rental messing with dressing room chemistry either. I actually think it might boost the morale of the team. We’ve seen some pretty significant acquisitions paying dividends for teams in recent years, the Kings for instance, added Marian Gaborik in 2014 and proceeded to lead the entire playoffs in scoring as a rental.

Lastly, unless we’re very confident that this team could definitively beat a Tampa Bay Lightning or a San Jose Sharks, I would welcome a big fish. If not though, I won’t be too eaten up about it. A helpful player in the bottom 6 or some depth defense is actually what I’m anticipating.

[Mr.Coffee]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

Biggest deterrent is a dangerous power play

This assumes penalties are called. I think he’s right, that the intensity cranks up and it’s a lot more physically tolling but I don’t know if we don’t have those players. Guys all across the board on the team this season have picked it up a notch from a toughness perspective and I think it just came from clearly caring more.

[Classic_Sniper]

Originally Posted by The Boy Wonder

Flames need to add toughness.

The game changes in the playoffs and we need guys who will send a message that slashing johnnys wrists won’t be tolerated, because you know for a fact that other teams are going to take liberties and id rather not have hamonic, Bennett, chuckie and gio being the enforcers. Ryan, mangiapanne, czarnik and dube are not strong enough

I actually sort of agree with this. But I’m more interested in adding a player who can play heavy. If he’s tough and can fight, I wouldn’t mind it. But adding a worker bee who can play heavy and can win board battles for the bottom 6 is much more important to me.

I don’t think deterrents really exist in the game anymore. The Oilers have lots of deterrents yet McDavid gets all kinds of unwanted attention. The Flames had Derek Engelland for years and Minnesota still broke Johnny’s hand with 100 slashes. Deterrents make sense in theory, but in practice, I don’t think they offer much at all.

[868904]

Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina

Biggest deterrent is a dangerous power play

Famous last words of the 2011 Canucks. Well at least according to the Canucks fans, they blame the lack of calls for their no. 1 powerpoay as the reason they lost to Boston and not the complete and total lacking character from the most despicable trash team in the history of the NHL.

But back to the point. Whistles get put away in the playoffs. It will be a lot harder for the top line to produce in the playoffs. We won’t see the same production or quality chances. Flames will really need Bennett and Neal to bring their A games.

Further to the toughness issue. To me the ideal fit really is Ferland as a rental. Big, tough, physically impactful, fits in the room, can play up and down the line up, under rated skill. Relatively low cap hit.

A team with Bennett, Tkachuk, Ferland, Hathaway, Neal and Hamonic and maybe Prout for the odd game, should be able to deal with any kid of playoff intensity.

[David Struch]

Chicago Blackhawks have made Marcus Kruger, Chris Kunitz and Andreas Martinsen available for trade.

https://mynhltraderumors.com/nhl-rum...as/2019/01/20/