Should The Calgary Flames Consider Trading Micheal Ferland?
Despite how good he’s been, would trading Micheal Ferland be the right choice for the Calgary Flames?
Before you grab your torches and pitchforks, hear me out. There’s no denying that Micheal Ferland has had an exceptional year this season with the Calgary Flames. That said, there is an argument to be made for the Calgary Flames to trade him at the end of the year.
The Case for Trading
The case you can make for moving on from Ferland is a pretty simple one, money will be tight for the Flames following next season and the odds that he can replicate this season aren’t too good.
If you follow the Flames even somewhat closely, you’re probably familiar with the story of Micheal Ferland this season. With Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, he’s been 1/3 of one of the most formidable lines in hockey. Sitting at 19 goals (T-15th in the NHL with players like Vladimir Tarasenko, Auston Matthews, and Brad Marchand) and 29 points. As it stands, Ferland has already set new career highs in points (29 compared to last years 25) and goals (19 compared to 15 last year) and is a legitimate threat to hit 30 goals and 50 points. So why would you trade him?
First off, there’s the worry that he won’t be able to replicate his numbers this season. His 19 goals are great, the fact that he’s accomplished it by shooting over 19% provides cause for concern. That’s not something people can do at a sustainable pace. He’s still likely to hit 15 goals which is a great production for somebody on a contract like his (a $1.75M AAV this year and next).
The second reason to consider moving on from Ferland is that aforementioned contract. It being such a great deal mixed with his blend of skill and physicality gives him a lot of value. He could help pry a 1st round pick or bluechipper from a cap-strapped playoff team with weak forward depth. That bargain deal also only lasts one more season. With Mikael Backlund needing a new deal after this year and Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk needing extensions following next year. The raise Ferland would command could prove cost-prohibitive.
The Case For Keeping
Almost everything listed above. The Calgary Flames are a playoff team and should be considered a contender for the crown in the west. Teams in positions like that can’t afford to just give away players like Ferland. If he doesn’t produce at the same rate, they can shuffle him down the lineup and have him be an effective middle 6 player. The issue of him needing a new contract still exists but with the cap likely rising to almost $85M by 2019-2020, the Flames should have room for him.
Conclusion:
While trading Ferland is something to consider, it doesn’t seem like something that’s necessary. The skill and toughness he brings with his affordable cap hit is something that will help the Flames next season. If a deal that blows management away comes up, then sure. If the only worry is the cap though, don’t do it.
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Whether or not the Flames trade Ferland, one thing is certain: they absolutely should move on from Troy Brouwer.