Calgary Flames GM signals to NHL teams that they will fully tear down roster

According to new reports from David Pagnotta, Flames GM Craig Conroy is now signalling to other NHL teams some actions that indicate a full roster tear down and rebuild. The Flames are making Nazem Kadri and Rasmus Andersson available for trade, and have also told teams they'll be willing to take on bad contracts for additional draft picks in trade.

Moving these players, the Flames are obviously tearing their roster down for a full rebuild. Calgary has been projected as one candidate to finish in last place this season, and they could likely improve their chances at a first overall pick if they move these veteran players.

Rasmus Andersson will be one of the top defenceman available for trade this season, and should be a prime candidate for the Edmonton Oilers - if the Flames are willing to deal with their provincial rivals. Last season they were unwilling to move Chris Tanev to Edmonton, so the Oilers will likely have to explore other options despite Andersson being a perfect fit.

Moving Nazem Kadri will give the Calgary Flames much more cap flexibility, and contending teams will be interested in adding a cup-champion centreman. He's signed for the next 5 seasons, until he's 38 years old, for $7M each season. Any team acquiring him will need to do something cap gymnastics to make it fit, or the Flames will need to retain salary to move him.

Perhaps most interesting of all is the fact that the Flames are willing to take on more 'bad value' contracts in exchange for draft picks. If any contending team needs to get out of a contract, the Flames will likely take it on this year or for future years - but it will come at a premium price.

It's the right move for the Calgary Flames to fully embrace a rebuild at this time. No amount of moves could quickly turn their roster into playoff contention, and certainly not a hope of beating the Oilers in a series. Instead, they can clear cap space off their books for the future, aim for the first overall pick, and try to make a push for the playoffs when their new arena opens in the fall of 2027.