Will Flames Play Let’s Make A Deal?

With the NHL trade deadline a month way, Calgary Flames General Manager Jay Feaster may be trying out his best Monty Hall impersonation. There have been many trade rumours surrounding the Flames throughout the season. Some have been far-fetched, others may have been close to reality. With that in mind let’s take a look at some of the players the Flames may move out of Calgary.

Jarome Iginla: The captain and heart and soul of the franchise, Iginla got off to a slow start which led to whispers that he was about to be moved out of Calgary. However, after former GM Darryl Sutter said Iglina won’t be traded, the captain suddenly found his game and has been the best player for the Flames this season. He leads the team with 22 goals and 47 points this season. And his leadership skills are invaluable. Which also makes his trade value very high. Iginla is a proven playoff performer and many teams would love his physical play, scoring touch, and leadership skills come playoff time. Iginla has one year left on his contract and the Flames don’t want to lose him in free agency.

Possibility to be moved: Slim to none. At least at the deadline. For starters Iginla has a no movement clause and I doubt he’d waive it at the deadline. Especially if the Flames are still in contention for a playoff spot. If Iginla were to be moved, the earliest would be at the draft when he can waive the clause and take his time to settle in a new city. Plus the Flames can stock up on some much needed draft picks.

Mikka Kiprusoff: The trade rumours surrounding “Kipper” started in the new year when Kiprusoff was struggling to find his game. The low point came in a 6-0 home loss to the Minnesota Wild when Kipper was given the bronx cheer by Flames fans after a poor showing. Since then Kipper has won his last 3 starts including a shutout over the St Louis Blues. He seemed to be finding his form heading into the All Star break. There also has been whispers that Kiprusoff was running out of gas after playing over 70 games each of the last 5 seasons. With backup Henrik Karlsson seeing more net time, Kiprusoff may be moved.

Possibility of being moved. Highly unlikely. Kiprusoff’s value isn’t that high right now. Other teams are fearful that Kiprusoff may be overworked and his best days behind him. However if a team is desperate for goalie help and if the price is right, Kiprusoff could be dealt.

Robyn Regehr: The defensive stalwart for the Flames. Regehr has been battling nagging injuries this season and at times has looked slow on the ice. But he’s still a veteran calming presence on the blue-line and he can still be a valuable shut down guy. There are teams that would be interested in Regehr for that reason but how much interest remains to be seen.

Possibility of being moved: Slim. Regehr has a no movement clause in his contract and has stated he would not waive it right now. However if the Flames fall out of contention he might change his mind.

Alex Tanguay: The smooth skating center iceman has had a good season for the Flames after signing as a free agent. Tanguay shares the team assist lead with Jarome Iginla assisting on 25 Flame goals. His signing was questioned by many Flames fans but he’s been a valuable addition to the Flames.

Possibility of being moved. 50/50. Tanguay comes rather cheap and he’s an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. He does not have a no movement clause making him a movable asset.

Olli Jokinen: Another player signed in the off-season, Jokinen has been the subject of criticism by the media and fans alike. He has been inconsistent at best and downright awful at worse. He has been playing better as of late but it might not be enough to appease his critics.

Possibility of being moved: Not likely. Unless the Flames can pull off a miracle, Jokinen’s value is quite low and the returns won’t be great. Could be a salary dump.

The Flames have a month to decide what’s behind door number 1, door number 2 or door number 3. The present and the future of the team’s fate depends on it.