Which young centers to pursue?

[FBI]

Saw some chatting about this. Who do you guys think we should go after that fits the future of the team? Can be current nhlers or ahlers on the cusp. We might trade some of our new picks for them, interested in some guys we might expect coming our way..

[kyuss275]

Casey mittelstadt from buffalo. Probably going to get a huge raise. An off season move. Granted I don’t know what we can offer them

[SportsJunky]

I feel like Ottawa would like to shake up their roster. What about a guy like Josh Norris. Pure goal scorer but he's injury prone so far in his young career.

[activeStick]

I think Conroy said 25 or younger, right?

Off the top of my head, guys like Thomas, Pinto, Norris, Kotkaniemi, Zegras maybe?

[Canada 02]

Blues may have soured on Dean and Bolduc.

[keenan87]

I would love Zegras on Calgary. Hopefully bring some swagger back onto this team.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Trading for one is going to be expensive teams don’t usually ship guys like that away. I don’t think this team is that position to part with picks and assets when the guy we get won’t be surrounded by a lot of talent and prime years go to waste.

We really just need to draft and develop.

[Canada 02]

Turcotte makes the Kings next season or hits the waiver wire. Forth year pro still hasn’t established himself

[Reggie Dunlop]

Connor Bedard.

[dissentowner]

Keep an eye on Necas. There have been past rumours he doesn't see him self long term in Carolina and is a pending RFA.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by keenan87

I would love Zegras on Calgary. Hopefully bring some swagger back onto this team.

I wouldn't touch Zegras. Great creative player but the problem is the term on his contract and the fact this guy is a very proud American. I think you would have the Tkachuk situation all over again.

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Keep an eye on Necas. There have been past rumours he doesn't see him self long term in Carolina and is a pending RFA.

They can have markstrom and hanifin for Necas and a 1st

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

Turcotte makes the Kings next season or hits the waiver wire. Forth year pro still hasn’t established himself

Not even great numbers in the AHL.

[GullFoss]

Whatever center is a top-5 draft pick in 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 or 2028 NHL entry drafts.

[Roof-Daddy]

Anton Lundell possibly, if the price is right

Although I doubt he ever becomes a #1C, more of a Backlund type middle C

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Anton Lundell possibly, if the price is right

Although I doubt he ever becomes a #1C, more of a Backlund type middle C

That's fine as the Flanes need to draft a 1C

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

Anton Lundell possibly, if the price is right

Although I doubt he ever becomes a #1C, more of a Backlund type middle C

I'd agree with that. He's already very strong defensively and kills penalties well, and does create offense with work ethic and hockey IQ, but he'll never be higher than a #2C, IMO because he isn't highly skilled.

Literally would be a Backlund replacement with potential offensive upside if you got him.

The question is, would he ever be available? I'm doubtful, but every player can be had for the right price. If the Flames had a surplus of first round picks and wanted to send one Florida's way in exchange at the draft, that would probably work. Florida desperately needs the 1st rounders as they have none until...*checks calendar*...2026! That can't be right....it is? Goddam it.

I think Zito is pretty high on him though, especially since he's cost controlled for a long time. Gonna be a tough sell.

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

I'd agree with that. He's already very strong defensively and kills penalties well, and does create offense with work ethic and hockey IQ, but he'll never be higher than a #2C, IMO because he isn't highly skilled.

Literally would be a Backlund replacement with potential offensive upside if you got him.

The question is, would he ever be available? I'm doubtful, but every player can be had for the right price. If the Flames had a surplus of first round picks and wanted to send one Florida's way in exchange at the draft, that would probably work. Florida desperately needs the 1st rounders as they have none until...*checks calendar*...2026! That can't be right....it is? Goddam it.

I think Zito is pretty high on him though, especially since he's cost controlled for a long time. Gonna be a tough sell.

I imagine an extended Hanifin would be very appealing to them as well, especially with half of their D core set to become UFA's this off season.

An extended Hanifin is worth more than Lundell though IMO

[cannon7]

Cayden Lindstrom is exactly what the Flames need if they can find a way.

[Ford Prefect]

Kotkaniemi interests me, largely because of his contract. He’s 23 and locked in at 4.8M cap until 2030. He’ll be practically free during his prime years. I don’t see him as ever being a #1 C, but I think he could be a solid middle six C like Backlund.