The Calgary Flames' 4-0-0 start to the 2024-25 season may ultimately prove to be a change in mindset for the front office, despite the fact that many thought they were looking to rebuild. Even though they aren't winning 82-0-0 this season and might not make it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, this team, which is led by Dustin Wolf, Connor Zary, and Martin Pospisil, obviously has some excellent young talent.
According to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, there are now rumors that General Manager Craig Conroy is actively searching for a young center of the future for their middle-six through trade.
Not many people are surprised that the Flames are looking to add, even though the timing is intriguing. Although their 4-0-0 start to the season isn't bad, Conroy has previously stated that he would rather have young, NHL-ready players than picks and/or prospects.
Mavrik Borque, Dylan Cozens, and Anton Lundell are just a few of the names that have been mentioned in the comments. The team isn't rebuilding entirely, but they aren't going all in either, as this is a move to eventually replace captain Mikael Backlund on the third line.
Last season, the Flames had a fire sale, offloading Chris Tanev, Noah Hanifin, Elias Lindholm, and Nikita Zadorov before the deadline. In the off-season, they also traded Jakob Markstrom and Andrew Mangiapane.
It was anticipated that the Flames would be in rebuild mode this season after all those moves. Rather, in the first week, they have defeated the Blackhawks, Oilers, Flyers, and Canucks.
The Flames' 4-0 start to the season is tied for the best start in the team's history, matching finishes from the 1993-94 and 2009-10 seasons. While they missed the playoffs in the latter case, they qualified for the former.
If the price is right, this could be a significant move that improves this team's future while keeping them viable in the present. In the end, it's unclear if Conroy wants to use a top trade piece like Rasmus Andersson to close a deal, and the team should definitely avoid using draft picks to do so.
POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 18 | 119 ANSWERS Calgary Flames Reportedly Edging Closer to Major Trade Involving Star Player Do you think the Calgary Flames will make the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season? | ||
Yes | 53 | 44.5 % |
No | 66 | 55.5 % |
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