2018/2019 Trade Speculation and Rumors

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

Unfortunately, the time to be supplementing this core with good ELC contracts has passed. We're seeing what you get when you build that way with Andersson and Valimaki and Dube, but unfortunately the Flames spent a ton of those picks for pieces that aren't with the team anymore or who weren't worth it in the first place.

The Flames also don't have the luxury of picking top 15 anymore like they did to establish their existing core group. The Flames will finish likely in the 20s, hopefully the mid or high 20s this year for first rounders. With the team more or less set on contracts, this is hopefully the new normal for the next 3 years.

The Flames don't need help when Gaudreau is 30, they need help now. Top end help that pushes guys down the roster.

Tre has breathed new life into the organization with the Lindholm/Hanifin trade, I think the flames would be nuts not to spend as much as possible early in their contention window rather than throwing picks at a problem 3 or 4 years from now after the core group can't get over the hump.

Good teams trade high picks early in their period of contention, bad teams trade them towards the end for one last kick at the can.

Set the team up for success. Trade a 1st and a prospect and a marginal roster player for Hossa and Dupuis and see if you can't get your young group to the conference or cup final.

No.

This is year 1 of a window opening. One that is set up to last at least 4.

Guys could easily be drafted this upcoming June and be able to contribute at the end of that 4 year window and that's assuming that Gaudreau isn't re-signed or no one is able to assume Giordano's role....never mind the likelihood of trades in the interim that can supplement those lost for other reasons that can extend that time frame easily.

It's a long game view.

What you are suggesting is they blow their brains out in year 1 when possibly 4 of the 6 Dmen to go into the post season have never played a minute of playoff intensity hockey. That seems asinine to me.

Now if they can leverage their 1st and a non-core guy into some long term stability in net, then sure. I just don't see that kind of deal during the season though, so you wait until the draft and/or free agency to do so, see what you need at the deadline the following season and then take your shot.

[transplant99]

Qualifier....all this is assuming no major injuries to core pieces at the deadline....if that happens then everything is on the table to get these guys some playoff experience at the very least going into subsequent seasons.

[Hackey]

I can understand both trains of thought. I don't think either is right or wrong. It's a calculated risk either way.

Right now I think the team is above average. They have a chance to make noise in the playoffs but I'm not sure how good they really are. Can they beat the Jets and Preds to make it out of the West?

So you have to consider do you keep your picks and draft players who could potentially help you down the road or do you use them to improve immediately in hopes that it puts you over the top? Its tough to say because you don't know how things will go. Does Johnny stay? Who else do we sign or keep? How do our young players develop? Are we going to be better in the next 1 or 2 years or 3 or 4 years?

It's a tough decision because I'm skeptical that were gonna get much help from picks moving forward unless we really get lucky but I also think were a bit early to be going all in. I'm also not sure if we really have the assets to make a big splash. Hopefully in a year or two we have a better idea but for now I think I'd be holding onto picks unless a deal that helps us now and into the future comes up.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by transplant99

No.

This is year 1 of a window opening. One that is set up to last at least 4.

I view the window now as the remaining contract years of Gaudreau before the team will have to consider some franchise defining deals to avoid bottoming out in the long term. I think you can win twice with tkachuk, with two different core groups.

Guys could easily be drafted this upcoming June and be able to contribute at the end of that 4 year window and that's assuming that Gaudreau isn't re-signed or no one is able to assume Giordano's role....never mind the likelihood of trades in the interim that can supplement those lost for other reasons that can extend that time frame easily.

Definitely, guys could be drafted, and the Flames seem to have as much luck in the mid and later rounds as they do in the first round so in my mind you can still do deals to accumulate you picks later in the draft. When the Penguins dropped a 1st for Iginla, they also got a 3rd back in the trade for Morrow. The ante point for the deadline for top tier talent though is a 1st rounder, and that's a price I'd be willing to pay were I Treliving.

It's a long game view.

What you are suggesting is they blow their brains out in year 1 when possibly 4 of the 6 Dmen to go into the post season have never played a minute of playoff intensity hockey. That seems asinine to me.

I don't see trading a 1st round pick and or a marginal forward/prospect to be blowing their brains out. The Flames have been throwing away picks for marginal players for years now, why not deal a substantial pick for a substantial return?

As it regards defenders, I think that's a bit of old time hockey mentality creeping in. 5 or 10 years ago I might've agreed with you, but this is a young man's game now. Djoos played 22 games for Washington last year and he's a year older than Andersson. Maybe that's a deal to be had, a veteran defender to push one of valimaki or andersson into the 7th dman role. Adam McQuaid is on the last year of his deal, acceptable cap hit. Ron Hainsey was acquired by the penguins for a 2nd and a prospect. Good trade in hindsight.

I just think the proper team building strategy is you trade picks when your window is open and acquire them when it's closed. More or less it doesn't really matter that much what your prospect situation is at the time because it's about the guys you have under contract right now.

Hockey is mostly luck, so when it looks like your chances are better than usual, I think the rational play is to try to improve those chances as much as possible. Established players that bring a quantifiable contribution to the roster in that moment give you the best chance for success.

If the Flames weren't playing so well right through the roster I wouldn't be advocating so strongly, but I don't think there's a serious poster on this board that can tell me that they don't think this team, right now, isn't feeling it. The backup goalie has a ~.930 save percentage and the team's top point producer is still on his entry level deal. The team captain is having a Norris calibre season at age 35. In 2 years the Flames are going to lose a good player to expansion.

The time is now.

[Funkhouser]

I feel like it is risky to assume Rittich can carry the load the remainder of the season and the playoffs...I feel like it would be worthwhile bringing in another body at the trade deadline.

I thought Cal Peterson looked great in LA the other night, his stats show the same. Since he is blocked long-term by Quick, maybe we could pry him away from LA at the deadline. Since he is young, it is a worthwhile investment and will allow him or Rittich to grab the reigns going forward.

Kylington and Gilles for Peterson?

[sureLoss]

Rumors and speculation summarized from Friedman's 31 thoughts:
https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/...liam-nylander/

Pens "tested the market" on Kessel but have decided to hold off for the time being. Could be revisited.

Hextall thought very highly of Simmonds but was unwilling to commit long term to Simmonds. Some reports that Simmonds was shopped, but other say that Hextall wanted to wait to see if the Flyers got back into the playoff race. Will see what Fletcher thinks.

Chicago scouting a lot lately. Bowman was at ARI/LA and their capologist also made their last trip. Hawks had 2 scouts at LA/VAN, 3 scouts at DAL/CGY and 2 scouts at LA/EDM

Hawks might have some interest in Sam Gagner

Leafs will try to re-sign Gardiner

Doesn't sound like anyone was close to meeting Toronto's trade ask for Nylander.

[tkflames]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Rumors and speculation summarized from Friedman's 31 thoughts:
https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/...liam-nylander/

Pens "tested the market" on Kessel but have decided to hold off for the time being. Could be revisiteed.

Hextall thought very highly of Simmonds but was unwilling to commit long term to Simmonds. Some reports that Simmonds was shopped, but other say that Hextall wanted to wait to see if the Flyers got back into the playoff race. Will see hat Fletcher thinks.

Chicago scouting a lot lately. Bowman was at ARI/LA and their capologist also made their last trip. Hawks ahd 2 scouts at LA/VAN, 3 scouts at DAL/CGY and 2 scouts at LA/EDM

Hawks might have some interest in Sam Gagner

Leafs will try to re-sign Gardiner

Doesn't sound like anyone was close to meeting Toronto's trade ask for Nylander.

Maybe I have my blinders on - but I don't know who off that roster would be a fit in Calgary. Kane would require a major upset to the system. The only player I could think of is Crawford, but vertigo is a weird conditions. Many goalies have had it including Jonas Hiller and while Crawford looked great the other night, I am not sure if you can commit $6M through 19/20. You probably need someone playing 1A next year, but I am not sure if Crawford at this stage of his career is a big upgrade on Smith (especially when considering Health).

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

What if the Flames are even better next year? 2 years straight without a first or second round pick means there are no real prospects coming to help this team and they will be forced to stuff PTO washouts in their bottom 6 and pairing soon enough. You talk like this is our only shot

Also laughable that we waste this season if we don’t go trade picks for a short term fix

That's a dangerous game to play. Next season we might be better... OR Giordano could fall off a cliff, or you might be devastated by injuries or Karlsson re-signs in SJ and finds Norris form again or, or, or. This year looks like you can score, you have 9 NHL d-men, several of whom should keep getting better as the year goes along, and you have nice depth overall. Our shortcomings? Questions in net, and ideally you want more offense from your 2nd line C. I think the Flame can already beat any team in the West (not saying they will, but realistically can). Luckily, all the top teams are in the East and will have to beat the **** out of each other. If you can add a Simmonds (or whatever equivalent) for the run, you do it. Your 1st round pick at 24th overall is unlikely to help at any time during your 3 year window anyhow...

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by Funkhouser

I feel like it is risky to assume Rittich can carry the load the remainder of the season and the playoffs...I feel like it would be worthwhile bringing in another body at the trade deadline.

I thought Cal Peterson looked great in LA the other night, his stats show the same. Since he is blocked long-term by Quick, maybe we could pry him away from LA at the deadline. Since he is young, it is a worthwhile investment and will allow him or Rittich to grab the reigns going forward.

Kylington and Gilles for Peterson?

Peterson has little pedigree or anything else to suggest he can be apiece going forward, other than a few NHL games..

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by The Cobra

Peterson has little pedigree or anything else to suggest he can be apiece going forward, other than a few NHL games..

Ah, but he's a goalie and he's not ours, so he is obviously an upgrade on the trash the Flames have now. Page 47 of the Official Fan Songbook, ‘The Grass Is Always Greener’.

[Hockey-and_stuff]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

Ah, but he's a goalie and he's not ours, so he is obviously an upgrade on the trash the Flames have now. Page 47 of the Official Fan Songbook, ‘The Grass Is Always Greener’.

Other hits in this songbook include "The Refs Are Out To Get Us" and "Everyone Gets Their First Goal Against My Team"

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by Hockey-and_stuff

Other hits in this songbook include "The Refs Are Out To Get Us" and "Everyone Gets Their First Goal Against My Team"

But wait! If you act now we will throw in the armchair GM book absolutely free!

[Strange Brew]

“Backups and minor leaguers have career games against us”.

[Vinny01]

Just looking at HF trade forum and saw some poster talk about Crawford to Calgary. Chicago fans speculating their team may be blown up. I wonder what the price would be to bring him in?

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

Just looking at HF trade forum and saw some poster talk about Crawford to Calgary. Chicago fans speculating their team may be blown up. I wonder what the price would be to bring him in?

They'll want a 1st, at the least.

[RyZ]

Originally Posted by Toonage

They'll want a 1st, at the least.

He's a 33 yr old goalie who has been injured more often than not over the past 2 seasons. They arent getting a first from anybody for him.

[Toonage]

Originally Posted by RyZ

He's a 33 yr old goalie who has been injured more often than not over the past 2 seasons. They arent getting a first from anybody for him.

Maybe, but that will be the ask. Part of it anyway.

Retooling team with a 3 time cup winning goalie still technically in his prime, regardless of recent health woes?

I'm not saying that's what I would give up. Personally I would steer clear. But you bet that's what they'll ask.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by RyZ

He's a 33 yr old goalie who has been injured more often than not over the past 2 seasons. They arent getting a first from anybody for him.

Injured for a lengthy time last season, not the previous 7.

[1qqaaz]

Again, I'm strictly in the "No goalies on the wrong side of 30" camp.

I like Crawford -- he's been one of the most consistent goalies in the league for years.
But he's too old and injury prone. He'd probably have a pretty high price.

Maybe sign Patrik Bartošák at some point. He has had ridiculously strong numbers for a very long time.
Shady history outside of hockey, but that was awhile ago. 25 year old UFA.

Otherwise, I still think Bobrovsky, Varlamov, Dell, or maybe Grubauer are the best options for after this season. Assuming things with Rittich and Smith don't work out.

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by 1qqaaz

...I still think Bobrovsky, Varlamov, Dell, or maybe Grubauer are the best options for after this season. Assuming things with Rittich and Smith don't work out.

Grubauer is under contract for two more years. Why would he be available?

I also think that one if not both of the Oilers goalies will be testing UFA this summer, and there would be an opportunity there to pick up a decent starter on a manageable deal.