3 signs a trade could be imminent for the Calgary Flames

Buckle up, Flames fans. We know trades are coming this season. While it’s unclear whether every Calgary Flames UFA will be dealt before the March 8 trade deadline, there are very slim odds that none occur by then. Based on a few recent pieces of NHL news, though, it looks like one involving a Flames D-man could happen sooner than later.

Whether it’s a Nikita Zadorov, Noah Hanifin, or Chris Tanev deal is up in the air, but I’d bet on the former or the latter happening prior to a Noah Hanifin trade. Here’s why I think a trade might be brewing:

1. The Vancouver Canucks traded Anthony Beauvillier to the Chicago Blackhawks, eliminating his $4.15 million cap hit

The Canucks have been rumoured to be hungry for a blueline upgrade. Opening up cap space would provide much more flexibility to facilitate a trade with the Calgary Flames for Nikita Zadorov or Chris Tanev.

2. Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Mark Giordano has suffered a hand injury

With Giordano out of the lineup for the Leafs (alongside John Klingberg who’s on LTIR), could Brad Treliving have interest in one of his former D acquisitions to bolster Toronto’s blueline? Matt Larkin at Daily Faceoff lists Chris Tanev in the number one spot and Nikita Zadorov at fourth on his list of seven D the Leafs could trade for.

3. The Flames have recalled Jordan Oesterle from the Wranglers

Jordan Oesterle was with the Flames this morning at practice. While he could simply be a seventh defenceman to join the group, he could also be the Flames’ replacement for a D-man about to be traded.

Keep your eyes peeled, folks.