Not to belabour the point, but...

The trade deadline is coming

I could go into exactly what went wrong this season, but that is like beating a dead horse. 

I could tell you the Flames look like the Keystone Cops, but I don't want to go over that again. 

I could tell you the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting different results. 

But I am too good for that. Or am I? Okay, enough of the buffoonery on with the blog. With Canada approving the seven-day quarantine, the Flames doing something before the deadline becomes a real possibility. 

I am not saying it will happen; I am saying there is a possibility. It might happen. 

Johnny Gaudreau

The only way Gaudreau goes is if the Flames get blown away. Johnny's contract is one of the best in the league, and he is under contract for another year. He is also one of the most talented forwards in the league when motivated. The problem is keeping him motivated to lead them to the promised land. 

Sean Monahan

The next trade opportunity is Sean Monahan. The problem is that Sean's value is not exactly high. I also think Sean would be more willing to re-sign than Johnny at this point. Sean has not been fantastic this year, failing to live up to expectations this season.  

The other option is a series of smaller trades of the players whose contracts expire this year.

Derek Ryan

Derek might be the best option from the expiring contracts. He is a fourth-line centre who is excellent on the faceoff. He would help with the team's penalty kill and be on the ice to protect the lead last minute. 

David Rittich 

Rittich is a capable backup goalie. A few teams in the NHL are looking for a third goalie and would consider David an upgrade. I am not sure whether the Flames are planning on re-signing him. They may consider dealing him at the deadline. 

Those are the top options. The Flames could trade Backlund or Bennett. They have tried to trade Sam Bennett, but the offers have been underwhelming, to say the least. Teams would balk at Backlund's cap of $5 million. Leivo and Nordstrom are also on expiring contracts, but do not draw much interest. Nesterov on defence could be a bargaining chip as a number seven dman.  

Randy