Calgary Flames: Three Off-Season Rumours That Are Unrealistic
The Calgary Flames off-season will soon be in full swing, as the NHL Draft, trade season and free agency are all upon us, and with that comes plenty of fan interest and fan speculation, which in turn lead to plenty of rumours. Most of that speculation, especially when it comes from legitimate sources can no doubt hold plenty of weight as we’ve seen, but unfortunately, not all of those rumours are based in reality.
Today, we are going to take a look at three rumours that are floating out there, that for good or bad, aren’t quite realistic for the Calgary Flames fan base and organization that see plenty of potential in this current group if built correctly.
3. Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri aren’t going anywhere
While this isn’t a rumour that’s come up as often as others, there have certainly been trade proposals out there to move either Huberdeau or Kadri just a year after signing long-term extensions, but no matter what, these two are here to stay in Calgary. Sure, 2022-23 was a disappointing campaign for both of their new additions, but with a new Head Coach that’s reportedly looking to give the team more freedom offensively, they have a great chance to turn it around, especially if they can add another top weapon or two.
Flames fans have a right to be frustrated with the way they performed a season ago, but on his way out, Brad Treliving locked the team into their leaders for the foreseeable future, and even if they were trying to move on from one of them, it would take way too many assets to make that happen, so get ready for them to lead the way for the most part of the next decade.
2. The Flames won’t land one of the league’s top wingers
While the Flames need to get younger and more talented on the wing, their focus will no doubt be on someone like William Nylander, and after Alex DeBrincat has reportedly said he doesn’t want to spend his future in Canada, that’s another name the Flames need to cross off their list. That’s unfortunate, because he’s coming off a down year and could be had for a relatively cheap price, but after passing 75 points twice in his career at just 25-years of age, he would have been the perfect target for the Flames.
With other targets out there and a need for the Flames to get back some assets, they will still be in the market for a winger, but unless DeBrincat changes his mind on staying in Canada, this is one name the Flames won’t be targeting.
1. The Flames are unlikely to move a top star for a top pick in the draft
The Calgary Flames 2023 off-season is reportedly all about getting younger while maintaining their level of talent, and while trading Elias Lindholm for the No. 3 overall pick from Columbus to reunite him with Johnny Gaudreau, it’s not going to happen for several reasons.
Firstly, it may cost too much for Calgary to land a player the level of Leo Carlsson or Will Smith, who are both projected to be top line center’s for years to come, and unfortunately, the cost it would take just wouldn’t make sense for Calgary’s overall plan going forward.
Secondly, Lindholm is incredibly unlikely to sign a long-term extension in Columbus, and while there’s no certainty he would do that in Calgary, this would be the crux of a deal with the Blue Jackets, making it even more unrealistic. Ultimately, this is a deal that would benefit both sides if a price could be negotiated, but for Calgary, it appears just too expensive, meaning that they should walk away, and look at other options.