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Elliotte Friedman Details Flames' Trade Deadline Strategy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 25, 2025 7:30 AM ET

The Calgary Flames find themselves in the thick of the playoff race, and if that's the case come the trade deadline, then general manager Craig Conroy might be willing to go all-in.

According to Elliotte Friedman, detailing the situation while appearing on Thursday's episode of "The FAN Hockey Show," the Flames are leaning toward becoming buyers ahead of the March 7 deadline.

“If he is going to trade, he would prefer to add for the future, someone that can help them now and later,” Friedman said. “Everyone knows he’s been after a right-hand center. If he could get a young player with term who’s an impact player now, he would.

“It's a positive concession to, ‘Our team has put us in the race, and they deserve a little help. Our guys have earned that.'”

Through 46 games, the Flames hold a 23–16-7 record, sitting in fourth place in the Pacific Division but occupying the Western Conference’s second wild-card spot.

With a three-point cushion over the Vancouver Canucks and St. Louis Blues and games in hand on both teams, Calgary’s postseason aspirations look increasingly realistic barring a collapse during the second half of the season

Friedman highlighted Buffalo Sabres forward Dylan Cozens and Philadelphia Flyers center Morgan Frost as potential targets for the Flames.

In a story for The Athletic, Pierre LeBrun reported on Jan. 15 about Calgary’s interest in Cozens as someone who fits the "young center" profile they're after.

“[The Flames] continue to scour the market for a 25-and-under, right-shot center,” LeBrun wrote. “They are among the very long list of teams that have checked in with the Buffalo Sabres regarding 23-year-old Dylan Cozens.”

Cozens, who has five years remaining on his seven-year, $49.7 million contract, is having a down year but remains a high-upside option. He has scored 23 points in 48 games, far from his 47-in-79 pace last season.

Frost, meanwhile, has racked up 25 points in 45 games this season and could also fit the Flames’ need for a skilled center with upside, as he's still 25 and on an expiring deal carrying a low cap hit of $2.1 million.

There had been no reports linking Calgary to Frost before Friedman's brought his name to the table, but The Athletic's Kevin Kurz wrote a story back in November discussing a potential breakup.

"Frost is on an expiring contract as a pending restricted free agent, so the question is a valid one: Is it time for Frost and the Flyers to split up?" Kurz wondered. "Only Frost knows whether he’s reached a breaking point."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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