Did the Calgary Flames get enough in return ahead of the NHL trade deadline?
The Calgary Flames were one of the most active sellers ahead of the NHL trade deadline, but did they get enough in return to facilitate a true rebuild?
We knew the Calgary Flames were going to be active ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, and they didn’t disappoint us, selling players like Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev, while goaltender Jacob Markstrom was also in the rumor mill.
Since they sold established talent elsewhere, did the Flames get enough in return to turn around what has been a mediocre organization since the 2004-05 NHL Lockout? This is a franchise that has fielded some talented teams, but they have just three division titles to show for it over the last two decades and zero appearances in the Conference Finals.
Even with talented players like Tanev and Hanifin, it was clear the Flames were going nowhere this season, just as they went nowhere last season in what has been a steady decline since they won the Pacific Division in 2021-22.
The Calgary Flames got solid compensation in the Hanifin and Tanev trades
While names like Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev will warrant some sound compensation, the burning question is: Did the Flames receive enough of it? Hanifin is one of the best defensemen in hockey, so there was no way the Flames could trade him elsewhere without receiving a solid haul.
Tanev is older, but still an effective player who could be the missing piece for the Dallas Stars defensive rotation. Even a player his age, one who can block shots and prevent opposing forwards from positioning themselves near the net, is worth more than just flipping a draft pick for.
It’s also worth asking whether the Flames will continue cleaning house following the season, and if they do, how long would it take this hockey team to return to relevancy? Let’s explore each trade individually, then break down whether Calgary will keep making moves after the season ends and work toward building a legitimate championship contender.