Flames' Dilemma: Is It Time to Cash In on Kadri?

Everywhere I turn. I see rumours of Kadri going everywhere. Rumblings of possible trades to Toronto, Montreal, Florida, and most of all, Denver.

Kadri continues telling everybody that he has no intention of leaving, that he loves the city, and that he loves the fans. I’m sure he is well aware of how badly the team is playing, and it’s come to a point where the club has to do what’s best for the club.

I am sure, based on what everybody is telling me, that it’s only a matter of time before Calgary considers taking one of the offers we have had for him. At least eight teams have inquired about him so far. Here is a list of my top three destinations for Kadri, in no particular order.

Montreal Canadiens

It has been mentioned all season that the Montreal Canadiens’ greatest weakness is their second-line Centre. Nazim fits the role perfectly. He would fit nicely under Nick Suzuki. I have my doubts that this will be his destination, mostly because of his age. The Canadians are such a young team; he might not fit into the plans.

Florida Panthers

I think the Florida Panthers might be interested, depending on what they are gonna do with Barkov. What they do with Barkov’s cap depends on whether he can play this season. If it’s determined that he’s gone for the whole season, the Panthers will have a whole bunch of money to add to the roster. The Panthers getting a new second-line centre would be vital to the team’s success in the playoffs.  

Vancouver Canucks

I really don’t want this to be Kadri’s destination. I don’t like the idea of the Flames trading him within the division. But if the Vancouver Canucks offer us the best package, so be it. With Filip Chytil’s recent injury, I have no doubt they will inquire about Kadri.

Final Word

Honourable mentions have to be the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Colorado Avalanche. Both teams could be interested in Kadri’s services. One more key factor in negotiations, of course, will be how much of the salary the Flames will be willing to eat. It will be interesting to see where he goes. 

Are They Good Enough

 

So, did the Flames do enough? 

I know they are probably the best team in the Pacific Division. Apparently, they tried to get a depth defenceman, but couldn't make it work. The reason was there were not many options left by that point. I wonder if the Flames could have started earlier if they had made more cap room? They had to put Richardson on waivers just to be able to tinker in the final hour. 

The Flames could have made a cap casualty trade. Now bear with me—they could have traded Monahan for a cheaper third-line centre. If they are going to use Monahan as a third-line centre, they might as well use an actual third-line player to do the same thing for cheaper.  

One of my contacts has expressed how he feels about their use of Monahan: "They frankly misuse the talented centre."  I know Flames fans are often frustrated with Monahan, but is it his fault? When a team undervalues a player, can he help but think less of himself? 

The second part of this question: Should the Flames have considered making room for the Tkachuk and Gaudreau extensions next season? Could they have made a cap casualty trade without hurting the team? 

One contact explained why they couldn't dump any cap: "When you have the chance at the cup, you have to go for it." I countered about having to lose Tkachuk or Gaudreau next year. Another contact agreed with not changing anything before the playoffs: "You can't mess with a team's chemistry when it is one of the best teams in the League."  

With this discussion, I learned precisely what goes through a General Manager's mind at the deadline. They have to consider every option and then judge the likely result. Who knew?

Randy

Dead-Line: The Cup or Bust

Closing in on the NHL trade deadline day, the Calgary Flames have been linked to every offensive forward available. It is common knowledge that the Flames would love to add one more forward and a number four or five defencemen. The main problem is the prices the sellers want. So far, the Flames have been balking at the prices.

The Flames have an extensive list, but you can take one off with the Duchene trade. But the Flames are seriously trying to build up this team. The management feels they are very close to being a Cup contender.

Some of the top players the Flames may be going after:

Mark Stone

The Flames are strong contenders. Stone is a sniper who can do wonders with a powerplay. He is a very good one-timer who would work well with Tkachuk. He is excellent defensively and will work for his goals. He is also a great finisher and probably the best all-around player available.

Chris Kreider

Chris is a physical forward who can mix it up with the best of them. He is not as gifted as Stone. He is number two winger with a touch of grit and reminds me of an older Tkachuck. He would add some offence to the team and add some to the defensive game. He needs a centre who will give him the puck. But the Rangers want your firstborn, and then some.

Mats Zuccarello 

Zuccarello is a fast skater with some playmaking skills. More than likely, he is Calgary's number one target. He may not be the best player, but he will be the cheapest of the players available at the deadline. He would fit nicely in with Janko and Bennett, with Neal being week-to-week.  Zuccarello may be more open to re-signing than anyone else on the market.

Wayne Simmonds

Simmonds is a mean power forward. He is a powerplay specialist who can score the odd five-on-five goals. Again, he would beef up the Flames physically and could very well be put on the front line to help Johnny. But I am not sure the Flames are interested in a rental. They have shown more interest in testing the free agent market.

The Flames are also looking for a left-handed dman maybe to help out with the third pairing, which tells me they don't have confidence in Stone. Look for the Flames to dangle him as trade bait if he can get healthy. I have not heard who the Flames are putting on the market.  I have heard that talks between the Flames and the Isles surrounding Bennett ended quickly. I am not sure they would put Janko on the block either.

The Flames are shopping trying to get a bargain at Tiffany's, which could be pretty tricky.

Life of a Blogger

There are times I really wonder when to mention a rumour. More to the point, it is so difficult to figure out when a rumour is true. I have not been able to find a reliable source until recently.

Even with a source, the next step is trying to figure out what to report. Over 80 percent of the info I get on discussions does not end up happening. There is an art to determining what has the best chance of happening. That does not mean the information was not true; but just because a team is talking, it doesn't mean they will agree on a package and announce deal.

The Flames have talked to many teams about receiving a number one pick in a trade. Trust me on this; in trying to figure out which ones are going to happen, I am bound to be fooled from time to time.

It is already going full tilt. Canes, Habs, Rangers Oilers, Islanders, Sens, Canucks, all with rumours of their picks in play. Then there is the John Rivers saga. Rumours of Habs, Sharks, and Knights leading the pack. Up to 15 teams want his services. Then there are the Flames trying to make a major trade to dump one of the top four dmen. It is common knowledge that the Flames have three young dmen who could be ready now. The Leafs, meanwhile are desperately looking for a top right dman. They need to shore up their defensive core. Meanwhile, in Long Island—my kingdom for a goalie. The Isles are in dire need of a starter.

Then there is the Lou sweet Lou. Say it isn't so. Are you leaving or are you staying? Oh, the dilemma. Again, I have been assured by every hockey insider in North America that he is leaving.

So please forgive me if I have a mental breakdown as we enter the most active offseason in years. I expect it to get even crazier as we get closer to draft day.

So sit back and share some of the popcorn.

Flame trade deadline

I understand how everyone looks at the deadline as insignificant.  I can completely understand that it was, well, pretty boring.  But dare I say that if we take a deeper look, it was significant for the Calgary Flames players. What I am getting at is the message it gives the players: "We believe in you."

Most people seem to think that if you don't bring in a stud, you are sending the wrong message. But I think if it's not broke, why fix it? The Flames management believes in this team and its chemistry.   Chemistry is vital to a team's success.

So what do we get in Lazar? We get a young forward with tons of potential. What I like most about Curtis is his speed. He will fit right in. Curtis has a quick release and is an excellent passer. His weakness is in the faceoff circle. For that reason, I think he will be on the wing.   He is worth the gamble. A second rounder plus a dman who never plays is not too steep of a price. This year's draft is pretty weak.

The other thing I am pleased with is the acquisition of Stone to fill a weak spot in the line-up. Before the Stone trade, the Flames were extremely weak on number 4-6.  Think I am overestimating him? Look at their record since he was acquired!  Bringing in Stone to solidify the defense might just have saved their season.