The Calgary Flames have played some fantastic hockey as of late, picking up points in nine of their past 11 games, but to the wish of many fans, it appears that they remain ready to sell off some of their impending UFAs at the upcoming trade deadline.
That is a list that includes the likes of Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, and Elias Lindholm, who TSN's Chris Johnston zeroed in on in his latest report, which should excite many Flames fans.
Chris Johnston speculates that Avs is the most logical destination for Elias Lindholm.
— Robin on the Avs 🇺🇦 (@AvsRobin) January 2, 2024
When it comes to price he speculates a 1st round pick and Bowen Byram should do it. There is also talk Lindholm turned down 9M extension on a 7-8 year deal this summer.
According to Johnston, the Colorado Avalanche make the most sense as a trade partner for No. 28, while suggesting a trade package that would be a major victory for Calgary. In the report, Johnston speculates that it could be a first-round pick (whether in 2024 or the future) and defenseman Bowen Byram that could get the deal done.
The 22-year old Canadian defenseman is exactly what the Flames are looking for: an NHL ready player under 23-24 years old, and while Joe Sakic isn't the easiest person to win a trade against, this would certainly be a good move. Byram's best season came in 2022-23, posting 10 goals and 24 points in 42 games, and while he's yet to live up to the lofty heights of being a top-five draft pick, the future remains bright.
Bowen Byram's first career NHL goal // October 13, 2021 pic.twitter.com/FkjFOCpBqY
— Avalanche Forever (@citchmook) October 14, 2021
With the Flames improving as of late, there could certainly be the possibility that they indeed look to extend or retain these UFA's for the remainder of the season, but with a re-tool the way to go, if they can somehow land Byram in exchange for Lindholm with a pick on top, it would be a fantastic move for Calgary and would bring them a built-in replacement for Hanifin on the blue line.