Breaking down Calgary Flames Armchair GM trades

This is one of those contracts that a rebuilding team takes on. Mika Zibanejad hasn’t been the player he once was, and it feels as if the New York Rangers are over it. You’re essentially clearing four roster spots, giving this next wave of young players a true shot at making the roster. Do I think the Rangers should throw in a pick? Yes, more than likely. I’m sure it would go over well, and there would be a very normal reaction to this after years of discussing taking on cap dumps.

Verdict: Sure, it could be one of those moves that allows the kids to take the next steps. Might be all at once, but better that than never!

People talk about the Flames being directionless, but I feel like we need to turn our attention to the Anaheim Ducks. Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale were once seen as two key players in moving this rebuild along. General Manager Pat Verbeek had a change of heart after the two struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances. I don’t want to say it’s a dumpster fire, but it doesn’t look like the Ducks are doing anything to truly help themselves. Olen Zellweger would be another youngster added as well as beefing up the left side. I like it. The worst thing that could happen is Verbeek laughs at Craig Conroy and tells him to try again. 

Verdict: Yes, let’s get the left side a bit stronger and balance out this next gen of defensive parings! 

Oh, look! It’s a Rasmus Andersson trade. This is a trade that’s been explored before. Adding another 2027 first-round pick immediately piques my interest. Getting one in addition to a young left-shot defenceman would be golden. The Flames need whatever draft capital they can get on top of getting younger. There are so many moving parts to this rebuild that it’s great when you can address several needs at once. 

Verdict: Yes, without any hesitation. 

This is another trade that addresses different needs. Blake Coleman is an excellent trade chip that I think the Flames should explore. Granted, it is a bit difficult to do, considering he has a 10-team approved trade list. Coleman is on year five of six of his current deal and is still an effective member of the line up. 

Verdict: Yes, I think both teams really benefit here. Depending on the team, I think Coleman could fetch you a second at the deadline.

Nazem Kadri trade rumours have been flying around all summer. Is he going to the Montreal Canadiens? I used to be high on the Flames signing Marco Rossi. As the offseason has carried on, the rush of wanting deals to get done has worn off. Unfortunately, I’m not sure if Rossi would be worth the risk. If the Flames are going to trade Kadri, they should go out and fetch something that’s going to bring them closer to a true 1C.

Verdict: No. I don’t think Kadri waives for Minnesota, but I’m not too high on the return. There’s likely something better out there.