Evaluating Calgary Flames trade proposals for Armchair GM

I get it. Everyone wants Rasmus Andersson, but at their own cost. I don’t see the Calgary Flames bringing in more forwards without trading some out. The Flames already have too many defencemen in their system. They don’t need to bring in another left-handed defenceman—Simon Benoit—unless they’re moving maybe two guys out, but I don’t see that happening. They just re-signed Yan Kuznetsov to a two-year deal, and that spot is rightfully his.

Nick Robertson is more or less of what the Flames already have. They don’t need another middle-six forward. Ben Danford is a 19-year-old right-handed defenceman. It feels like there is already a plan in place for those future spots, but I guess it can’t hurt to have extra insurance. 

Verdict: No, I don’t think the Toronto Maple Leafs have the assets Calgary needs or wants.

Carey Price cap dump

This is one where I see the vision. I get it. The Montreal Canadiens helped Calgary with the Sean Monahan cap dump; now it’s time to return the favour. However, a second-round pick? You’re asking the Flames to take on more than $10M in dead cap space, and all you’ve got to offer is a second? The Flames gave up a first for Sean Monahan, who had a $6M cap hit.

As of July 17 at 6:00 PM, the Flames have $15.4M in cap space. Would they be willing to eat that much of it? That’s a lot of money for one year. Maybe if they’re getting a first and a second… I can’t fathom the Flames doing it for anything less. 

Verdict: Try again.

Everybody loves Weegar

Oh, MacKenzie Weegar. You are a man of many trade proposals, but you’ve made it clear you’re in Calgary for the long haul. Which is great! The Boston Bruins, along with most NHL teams, would benefit from adding Weegar. However, I don’t see a world where the Flames need to add any of the included players. They have enough forwards and certainly don’t need to add more of what they already have.

Verdict: No.

Is Sharky a flats or drums kinda guy?

Yegor Sharangovich’s 5×5 contract extension has officially kicked in, and it sure is discouraging. Paying $5.8M for a middle-six forward who had one great year? Sounds a lot like Andrew Mangiapane. It wasn’t something that needed to happen when it did, but here we are.

Jack Quinn is a young forward who is still under team control. The biggest red flag here is that he does have a significant injury history that raises some eyebrows. I think there is more upside to Quinn, and it’s worth investing in. Unfortunately, I don’t know if Sharky would be enough for the Buffalo Sabres. Would they ask for another forward? Martin Pospisil, you are a Buffalo Sabre. It could be something. 

Verdict: Sure, let’s go for it.

Coleman to the nation’s capital

Blake Coleman is a player I could see a lot of teams calling on. The caveat being, he has a 10-team approved trade list. Obviously, he can waive. However, I don’t know if the Ottawa Senators get that exception. They’re definitely on their way out of the bottom of the barrel, and we know he’s got some connections and friends there. Is this something he considers? A second-round pick in return feels very reasonable. 

Verdict: Yes, if Coleman agrees.