2017/2018 Trade Speculation and Rumors

[sempuki]

Backlund all day every day at this point.

[killer_carlson]

I think we'd be dealing from a position of strength - center, and addressing a position of weakness -1st line wing.

[AC]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

I think we'd be dealing from a position of strength - center, and addressing a position of weakness -1st line wing.

Except he's LW.

So he'd be our 3 LW behind Gaudreau and Tkachuk.

[killer_carlson]

I think you could move him to RW.

He has the skill, skating and edge to be on the top line.

[Roof-Daddy]

If you listen at all to Treliving talk about his team building philosophy then you'd realize the chances of him trading a center for a winger that isn't a clear and complete upgrade are pretty slim to none.

[Finger Cookin]

That Marleau signing is crazy, I bet the Flames were never anywhere close.

[1qqaaz]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

Sounds like a shake-up just for the sake of it. Backlund is a very important player in a valued position. I hope he's with the Flames for his entire career.

Yep, there's no reason to trade Backlund. And there may very well never be a reason to move Backlund.

[ComixZone]

With Marleau leaving, would it be shocking to see Jagr land in San Jose?

#dominos

[oldschoolcalgary]

^ that would be pretty interesting... as a fan of hockey, i'd like to see Jagr playing alongside of Thornton

[GoJetsGo]

Backlund has gone from developing nicely into a 2nd line centre to being one of the premier shutdown pivots in the game.

This team would take a big step back dealing Backlund at this stage.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

Sounds like a shake-up just for the sake of it. Backlund is a very important player in a valued position. I hope he's with the Flames for his entire career.

I am with you, however... I would give up Backlund to sign/trade for Tavares as or before he hits UFA next year, as JT is a definite upgrade and would push Monahan back to MB's position where he can focus on being a two way centre and not have to be elite/1C worthy. But that's the only situation where I would give him up.

[PepsiFree]

You can trade Backlund, but what you can't do is trade him for a worse player that plays a less important position and makes more money just because he's 3.5 years younger and the handsomer swede.

I like Landeskog and in general it would be nice to add a skilled top 6 winger, but a top 6 center almost always outranks a top 6 winger in terms of importance. We can talk about trading Backlund when Bennett or Janko claims his spot. No point in doing it sooner.

[djsFlames]

For sure, if Janko pushes Backlund for his spot then everything changes. Then can you deal from a position of strength to address the wing, but only then.

The only way you deal him before that is for a better centre. Strength at C beats strength on the wings, every time.

[442scotty]

We have a lot of talent in Stockton. I'm pretty sure at least two forwards will make the jump this year if not more

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by 442scotty

We have a lot of talent in Stockton. I'm pretty sure at least two forwards will make the jump this year if not more

It will be interesting to see what spots are open when we get closer to training camp.

I think Jankowski makes it. Unless Treliving moves a couple of contracts between now and then, I don't think anyone else does as there won't be any room.

Gaudreau - Monahan - Ferland
Tkachuk - Backlund - Frolik
Jankowski - Bennett - Versteeg
Lazar - Stajan - Brouwer (2 RHS - pick who slots where..)
Hamilton

Giordano - Hamilton
Brodie - Hamonic
Kulak - Stone
Bartkowski

We will see where Lack is. I am sure he will be the backup to start the season, unless he has a massive let down. Gillies, and more likely Rittich, may challenge him for that spot, but it is Lack's to start with anyways.

One forward, one defencemen. That's all I really see starting on opening night, barring another move.

Ferland might go to arbitration. If he does, I believe it opens up another buyout window for the Flames, so it may offer them some flexibility down the line.

Hathaway will be the first call-up for a bottom 6 (well, probably 4th line) injury. Shinkaruk will probably be the next in line for a 'top 9' call-up (though Poirier might have something to say about that). Klimchuk might see some time this season as well.

I am definitely OK with not acquiring any FAs for the NHL. I think only one forward makes it on the opening day lineup, but there will always be injuries and a prospect can force himself to stay once he gets that opportunity.

[Lanny_McDonald]

I don't see how Bartkowski makes this team. He was not good for the Flames. He should be beat out by one of the kids from the farm.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by New Era

I don't see how Bartkowski makes this team. He was not good for the Flames. He should be beat out by one of the kids from the farm.

I think he definitely makes it as the 7th defencemen. Better him than someone else sitting out games.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by loob job

I heard the interview and he said he thinks the flames had offers for Bennett but don't want to move him. He never once mentioned the Flames considered moving him or that he was involved in any Islanders deal as mentioned by someone else. He made it sound like the Flames don't want to give up on him.

So what's this, the 500th time now that Elliot Friedman has said something Flames related and we collectively don't actually read/listen to what he says, and then collectively suggest he's not that reliable or good anymore based on something he never said?

God we're stupid, it's no wonder he stopped doing Calgary radio for awhile. Now he's back and really choosing his words carefully and we're still sucking at comprehending even the little tidbits he gives.

[The Cobra]

If we win the SC, I expect Backlund to be a big part of it.

[Kipper_3434]

Originally Posted by The Cobra

If we win the SC, I expect Backlund to be a big part of it.

Backlund hasn't played like Backlund in the playoffs yet. Small sample size, but I'm starting to wonder if maybe his game isn't built for the tighter playoff hockey.