Analyzing more Armchair GM trades from Flames fans

There is a lot to unpack here, but let’s start with Morgan Rielly being 31 years old with four years left on his current contract. It makes no sense for the Flames to bring him on when they’re looking to trade a 29-year-old Rasmus Andersson.

I understand it in the sense of a cap dump for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but I’m not entirely sure I can get down with it. Mainly because of Rielly’s age and the team’s overall logjam. Pontus Holmberg is 26 years old with one assist in his 12 NHL games. Moving on from Nazem Kadri means a lot less production, and you do need goals to win games. But if you’re hoping for a higher draft pick… Are you picking up what I am putting down?

Verdict: No, simply because of Morgan Rielly. If a different piece was involved, then we could revisit.

Draft capital

In my humblest opinion, Jake Bean is no longer needed on this team. There are more talented and valuable pieces waiting to emerge. Draft capital, baby. Bring it on.

Verdict: With zero hesitation, yes.

The Flames have to figure out a way to clear out the logjam. They can afford to move on from Lombo, and with him traded, you have more flexibility in the lineup. Martin Pospisil and Adam Klapka could integrate back into the bottom-six as well.

Verdict: Yes. Vibes/60 may decrease, but that’s the least of the Flames’ worries.

This would be great. Once again, you’re clearing that forward logjam and collecting valuable draft picks along the way. There is a pretty good chance the Columbus Blue Jackets are on Blake Coleman’s no-trade list, but let’s say they’re not. Moving on from Coleman moves another piece forward. There is more flexibility in the forward group, and you are once again picking up a valuable draft pick.

Verdict: Yes, no-brainer.

I really like the idea that the Flames could be scooping up all these draft picks in what I would consider no-brainer trades. They could be moving out pieces that are currently preventing them from taking that next step in their rebuild. Moving Daniil Miromanov allows you the flexibility to shuffle the d-pairings and integrate younger players like Hunter Brzustewicz and Zayne Parekh.

Verdict: Yes, no questions.

Another Andersson trade

This really doesn’t make sense for the Flames. The value is completely lopsided, and I don’t think there’s any reason to entertain this. Including Andersson and Kadri in the same trade would require a blockbuster return from the Colorado Avalanche or whoever the suitor is.

Verdict: Absolutely not.

Utter nonsense

The Flames have just re-signed Adam Klapka to a two-year deal. They’ve made it pretty clear that they value him and his skill, and want him to be part of the team. It makes no sense for the Flames to flip him and a third for a 31-year-old Colton Sissons and a 32-year-old Jordan Oesterle. The Flames have enough forwards and don’t need to be adding any extra pieces without moving significant pieces out. We don’t need an Oesterle and Flames reunion either, as the Flames have plenty of sixth, seventh, and eighth defencemen.

Verdict: No.