Breaking down offseason Armchair GM trade proposals

My initial reaction to this was an audible groan. Why on earth would the Calgary Flames add yet another veteran, especially when they have young centres working for a spot? Well, I think we have to put our thinking caps on for this one.

Number one, the Flames are well out of a playoff spot by the deadline, and they start shipping veterans out. You have to replace what’s gone—instead of you know, maybe relying on some of your AHLers to get some reps. Number two, the New York Islanders are buyers.

We’ve talked about “cap dumps” for draft capital a lot this summer. This could be an instance where it just lines up and makes sense. Injuries aren’t something you can predict either. That could play a role in what kind of cap dumps they’re looking to take. Just plugging a hole or looking to make an impact? 

Verdict: If the stars align where the Flames are out of the playoffs and coasting to April, sure. I would prefer if they let the young kids play, but we know that’s not really the MO around here.

Shield your eyes

I cannot imagine what would have to go wrong in order for this to be on the Flames’ radar. MacKenzie Weegar is a well-rounded defenceman who brings morale and strong leadership to the locker room. Of all the vets the Flames have, Weegar is the one you will never hear me justify a trade for. Weegar is the next captain of this team and is set to mentor this next generation of Flames players. 

Verdict: Absolutely not. 

Trading your captain?

Calgary doesn’t need another winger. In fact, they could use fewer of them! Trading your captain midseason can certainly cause a ruckus and send your season further off the rails. I can’t imagine Mikael Backlund being traded unless he requests it. It’s another one of the “if the Flames are out of the playoff picture” scenarios. Let’s say this is the finalized trade. Could the Flames take this opportunity to flip Miguel Marques for another draft pick? 

The elephant in the room here is, of course, moving Backlund. Backlund has spent his entire career with the Flames and is a highly respected member of the community. Could the Flames do something a la Brad Marchand? I don’t think he’s going to Nashville unless it’s on his approved list or he’s willing to waive if they’re in a more competitive position. 

Verdict: It all depends on what sort of magic Craig Conroy could potentially work on, making sure they don’t bring in another winger. 

This would surely be a move that gets Steve Yzerman canned, right? I mean, trading away a 20-year-old right-shot centre for a 35-year-old veteran doesn’t scream smart move. This could be the part of the Yzerplan that everyone has been waiting for. It’s the unexpected move that ends the playoff drought. Or it’s the inevitable, “make a move to get in the playoffs and save your job.” 

Nate Danielson’s EliteProspects scouting report has my attention. “A creator of rush offence, building speed beneath the puck, charging through the neutral zone with possession, carving the ice up with powerful, agile crossovers, and turning the corner on opposing defencemen.”

Verdict: Desperate times call for desperate measures. Call up Conroy and he’ll help you out. Sure, why not?