Hockey Trade Rumours: Calgary Flames Targeting Top Center Per Frank Seravalli

Ever since center Elias Lindholm departed, that left a huge void in the team's lineup, so the Calgary Flames have been scouting for another center for months. Even though some very promising play from their current centers has taken place, the organization continues to focus on finding the right long-term solution at the position. General manager Craig Conroy has spoken publicly of his desire to find a player within a certain age bracket who can help immediately, in his recent discussion with Sportsnet's Eric Francis. NHL insider Frank Seravalli also confirmed the news that the team was actively looking to add a key piece up the middle.

One player to take on a more prominent role as the team works its way through this transition is Martin Pospisil. Moving from wing to center, Pospisil has been instrumental in the team's hot start to the season, but he does not necessarily look like a long-term fit in the middle. Behind him, centers such as Nazem Kadri, Mikael Backlund, and Justin Kirkland can hold their own, but the overall age of the group is a concern. This is why the Flames are still very active in their search for a younger, more sustainable option to build around.

Of the available candidates, one who fits the bill very well for the Flames is Kirby Dach of the Montreal Canadiens. At 23 years of age, Dach will bring size, skill, and much-needed NHL experience to the table. A 6-foot-4, 221-pound player is somebody Calgary could look to insert into its mix and complement what the team already has. He also shoots right-handed, which needs to be addressed in the team system. But getting him would be expensive, proof of which is what he was traded for in Montreal, wherein the Chicago Blackhawks received a first and third-round pick.

While the Flames are pleased with some of the internal options they have rolled out to this point, such as prospects Jaden Lipinski and Connor Zary, down the middle, it remains a concern overall. Injuries to pivotal players such as Yegor Sharangovich and Kevin Rooney have made it glaringly apparent how important it is to have a stable, proven presence in the middle of the ice. The team has already lost right-handed center Cole Schwindt to waivers when he was claimed by the Vegas Golden Knights, further illustrating the need for further reinforcements up the middle.

The Flames have started the season nicely, but Craig Conroy and his staff continue to look for a center. A player such as Kirby Dach may be just the appropriate mix of youth, size, and skill to really nail down long-term planning for the organization. How they will attend to this key area of need will fall upon the ongoing assessment of their prospects and trade possibilities for the Flames.