Calgary Flames Rumours: Team Linked To Panthers Veteran
The Calgary Flames are reportedly the talk of the NHL at the 2023 NHL Draft, which takes place in less than two hours, and while fans are patiently waiting to hear about results on Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm, they could reportedly be looking into a target with another one of their pending 2024 UFA’s.
That pending UFA is Nikita Zadorov, and while his name hasn’t come up very much recently, the team are now rumoured to be targeting Florida Panthers veteran winger Anthony Duclair, who had his career best campaign with current Flame Jonathan Huberdeau. It’s unclear right now just how much Calgary could be offering for Duclair, and whether or not the interest is real or just NHL Draft chatter, but if they are looking to put a competitive roster on the ice next season, he could be a solid pickup for cheap.
I'm led to believe one of the teams that has expressed interest in #TimeToHunt winger Anthony Duclair is the #Flames ... Florida is looking to improve its blueline and Calgary has Hanifin and Zadorov both in the trade market. We'll see if there's a fit here. https://t.co/G6juZ424tn
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 28, 2023
This year is the final one in a three-year deal signed by Duclair in Florida, and while many Flames fans would like to see the team dive into a rebuild, if the front office is set on competing, he could be a fantastic buy low option. In 2021-22 alongside Huberdeau and former Flame Sam Bennett, Duclair put up 31 goals and 27 assists for 58 points, and as long as the team can refrain from using Noah Hanifin in the deal, this is one they should certainly look into.
So what do you think? Should Calgary be targeting cheap, veteran pieces like Duclair? Would you like seeing them move veteran blue liner Zadorov? What are your bold predictions as the draft draws near? As always, let us know in the comments below.