2023/2024 Trade Rumors and Speculation Thread

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by jayswin

Zadorov is the flawed, physical, intimidating D-man you take advantage of when you have him before a payday (and he was excellent, what a pick up!) and then move on from when he's about to get his UFA lottery contract (or better yet get a return for the asset, which it doesn't seem the Flames will do with him).

We paid 5.25 million for Lucic and now he is gone. Maybe Big Z can be the defensive version of Lucic for 5.25 million on a 4 yr deal.

[TheIronMaiden]

I would prefer the Flames trade all their UFAs for picks and prospects.

That said, if they were to sign two players I would want it to be Zadorov and Lindholm, though I would ship them for the right return.

Hanfiin I think everyone agrees should and will be traded.

It breaks my heart to deal Tanev and Backlund but it makes no sense with the veteran depth we have already agreed to. Damn you Brad Treliving. Backlund > Kadri.

[Saqe]

Originally Posted by Aarongavey

We paid 5.25 million for Lucic and now he is gone. Maybe Big Z can be the defensive version of Lucic for 5.25 million on a 4 yr deal.

Green text but look what Gudbransson got and recently Gudas. I think he'll end up getting something close to what you are suggesting with the cap going up. And for a defenseman he's still in his prime, I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see him get something like 5x5.

[Yeah_Baby]

I had a dream that Backlund went for dinner with someone from the Flames alumni (dont' remember who) and was convinced to stay in Calgary.

It's going to be a long 30 days till Hockey's back if I'm already dreaming about UFAs now.

[activeStick]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Gio will be lucky to finish the contract he signed. He is 40 years old and looked washed in the playoffs. Spezza was also at the end of his career I am not sure other offers were out there or not. Both guys definitely wanted to play in their hometown as their careers end because the Leafs are a contender.



I don’t think Jarnkrok took a discount. He has never scored 40pts in his career (definitely paced for that in years past but his career high is 39pts)

Gio was a surprise to me. He's always been very fit and takes care of his body well. Didn't think he'd drop off so dramatically.

[Igottago]

Originally Posted by activeStick

Gio was a surprise to me. He's always been very fit and takes care of his body well. Didn't think he'd drop off so dramatically.

Doesn't really matter, age spares no man.
I remember watching Iginla in his last seasons and wondering how he couldn't just be the same player. Then I turned 40 and I understood completely, lol.

Gio is a beast of a 40 year old but he's competing with other beasts who are at their natural athletic/physical peak in their 20's. He's got no chance.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

I would prefer the Flames trade all their UFAs for picks and prospects.

That said, if they were to sign two players I would want it to be Zadorov and Lindholm, though I would ship them for the right return.

Hanfiin I think everyone agrees should and will be traded.

It breaks my heart to deal Tanev and Backlund but it makes no sense with the veteran depth we have already agreed to. Damn you Brad Treliving. Backlund > Kadri.

No one wants to see Backlund go, but the major issue is his age and the likely length of contract he is looking for.

The options for a 35 year old are either to sign a 4ish year contract at a discount, or a full value contract for 2ish years. The norm is not to give out large and long-term contracts to 35 year old vets.

IMO the problems with Backlund are independent of those from Kadri. The team has stated they aren't treating the roster like a retirement country club anymore, and the correct approach is to likely to move Backlund.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Igottago

Doesn't really matter, age spares no man.
I remember watching Iginla in his last seasons and wondering how he couldn't just be the same player. Then I turned 40 and I understood completely, lol.

Gio is a beast of a 40 year old but he's competing with other beasts who are at their natural athletic/physical peak in their 20's. He's got no chance.

43 now. I can 100% testify that there are certain physical aspects you can maintain and grow upon with lots of exercise. Others just go and suddenly in your late 30s/early 40s. I have more old man strength, but I definitely cannot sprint the way I used to. In pro-hockey the line between all star and non-NHL player is very thin, and it's a very fast paced game. Losing even half a step is going to end the career of most players, great and small.

[cannon7]

I'm as big a fan of Zadorov as any, but guys like him and Gudbranson are available every offseason. I think Zadorov re-signed to play under Sutter, so I imagine some of the appeal of playing for the Flames has been lost. But you don't overpay third pairing guys, ever. Just don't do it. Find hungry guys looking to break in, let them make a name for themselves, then let your competitors overpay them for their services.

[MrMike]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

I would prefer the Flames trade all their UFAs for picks and prospects.

That said, if they were to sign two players I would want it to be Zadorov and Lindholm, though I would ship them for the right return.

Hanfiin I think everyone agrees should and will be traded.

It breaks my heart to deal Tanev and Backlund but it makes no sense with the veteran depth we have already agreed to. Damn you Brad Treliving. Backlund > Kadri.

After last year, if your name isn’t Wolf/Coronato/Pelletier, I don’t care about anyone staying.

[Sylvanfan]

A guy like Gio can likely still get by on smarts in a limited role where he's sheltered a bit. Hence why he plays for 800k a year. He also may have peaked athletically later than others which was why he was elite at an older age. But if he had to play 19 minutes against top players every night...it would stand out fast.

[BrownDrake]

Zadorov is an enigma to me, he has played behind some good dmen in Colorado and a bad team in Chicago, hes 28 and seems to step up well when called upon, maybe he is more of a 3-4 or 4-5 than we give him credit for. I'm torn on him because hes also big and mean, if he was a smaller guy that was equally as puzzling I'd say no thanks. Maybe give the right coach and d-partner he can be a good 3-4???


Don't care too much either way but he's definately a player I don't mind taking a chance on if he's given more minutes early in the year.

[TOfan]

Originally Posted by cannon7

I'm as big a fan of Zadorov as any, but guys like him and Gudbranson are available every offseason. I think Zadorov re-signed to play under Sutter, so I imagine some of the appeal of playing for the Flames has been lost. But you don't overpay third pairing guys, ever. Just don't do it. Find hungry guys looking to break in, let them make a name for themselves, then let your competitors overpay them for their services.

Sure, there may be guys like that every offseason but there are other teams that want those guys too. You can’t just go to the store and grab a player, any player, off the shelf.

Bottom line is Zadorov is a useful player who wants to, or at least would like to, stay. The Flames should definitely be interested in extending him but, like many here, I would set a limit on salary and term and stick to it.

[saillias]

It's crazy to me the lack of attention Tanev has received from the fanbase and the media in comparison to Zadorov this summer. Pretty much every UFA has been the subject of thinkpieces and rumors and discussions - except literally the best defenseman.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

A guy like Gio can likely still get by on smarts in a limited role where he's sheltered a bit. Hence why he plays for 800k a year. He also may have peaked athletically later than others which was why he was elite at an older age. But if he had to play 19 minutes against top players every night...it would stand out fast.

Gio also relied pretty heavily on that big first few steps that allowed him to pinch, get back in the play, cover for his linemates or get position on the opponent. Giordano has slowed down a lot. If you are looking for him to provide anything more than a support role and vet leadership, you are in trouble.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by saillias

It's crazy to me the lack of attention Tanev has received from the fanbase and the media in comparison to Zadorov this summer. Pretty much every UFA has been the subject of thinkpieces and rumors and discussions - except literally the best defenseman.

Well to start with Tanev is almost 4 years older. He's only 31 but injuries are always a major concern with him. He's the better defenseman for but how long and how many years of top 4 play does he have left? If Tanev is open to a 3 year deal that would be perfect but he's likely looking for his last deal so 4+ years and I'm not sure that's going to end well. Zadorov is a guy you negotiate with but have to have the understanding that you have to be prepared to let him walk if the ask it too high/long.

[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by saillias

It's crazy to me the lack of attention Tanev has received from the fanbase and the media in comparison to Zadorov this summer. Pretty much every UFA has been the subject of thinkpieces and rumors and discussions - except literally the best defenseman.

Given his age and injury history, I doubt there’s much demand for him at the moment. However, if the Flames fall out of the playoff race and Tanev is healthy, he’ll be near the top of the list for playoff rentals.

As for renewing him, there’s too much uncertainty around the Flames blue line to make that call now. He’s at an age where his play might drop off dramatically.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Well to start with Tanev is almost 4 years older. He's only 31 but injuries are always a major concern with him. He's the better defenseman for but how long and how many years of top 4 play does he have left? If Tanev is open to a 3 year deal that would be perfect but he's likely looking for his last deal so 4+ years and I'm not sure that's going to end well. Zadorov is a guy you negotiate with but have to have the understanding that you have to be prepared to let him walk if the ask it too high/long.

Our Tanev is 33 turning 34 before the end of the year. His brother is 31.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Well to start with Tanev is almost 4 years older. He's only 31 but injuries are always a major concern with him. He's the better defenseman for but how long and how many years of top 4 play does he have left? If Tanev is open to a 3 year deal that would be perfect but he's likely looking for his last deal so 4+ years and I'm not sure that's going to end well. Zadorov is a guy you negotiate with but have to have the understanding that you have to be prepared to let him walk if the ask it too high/long.

True, but for the record, Tanev played 100% of the games in the two seasons prior to last year. I will allow for the strong possibility he shouldn't have though.

I agree that you roll the dice with him as far as starting the year because he's such an ideal TDL piece.

[boogerz]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Well to start with Tanev is almost 4 years older. He's only 31 but injuries are always a major concern with him. He's the better defenseman for but how long and how many years of top 4 play does he have left? If Tanev is open to a 3 year deal that would be perfect but he's likely looking for his last deal so 4+ years and I'm not sure that's going to end well. Zadorov is a guy you negotiate with but have to have the understanding that you have to be prepared to let him walk if the ask it too high/long.

Even if Tanev slows down or the injuries really start taking affect, he'll still be effective with his hockey sense and GAF-level. For example, Willie Mitchell was just as injury prone and a worse skater, but still managed to be effective until age 37 playing a similar type of game

Tanev's contract history doesn't suggest that he'd be looking to cash in either. He's only ever signed reasonable contracts. If Conroy can get Tanev for another 3-4 years @ $3.5M, I think the Flames should do it even though the AAV is a little risky. In a worst case scenario if Tanev's game falters, move him down to anchor the bottom pairing instead of the second pairing.