Flames Pursuing Shocking Early Blockbuster Trade Instead of Rebuilding
The Calgary Flames were projected to be a team to finish near last place this season, but their 4-0-1 start has completely changed management's plans.
In a recent interview with Eric Francis on Sportsnet, Flames GM Craig Conroy said that he's actually looking to make a major trade this season to replace Elias Lindholm. Conroy said that Flames are looking to acquire a high end young centreman, and are willing to trade their first round draft pick to do so.
With the Flames projected to be a bottom five team this season, it would be incredibly risky for them to move their first round pick this year or in the near future at all. Conroy and the Flames must believe that their hot start is much more than that, and the team may actually be competing for the playoffs as soon as this year - especially if they add a star young centreman.
Jim Parsons of the Hockey News compared the Flames' intention of a trade to the one that sent Kirby Dach to the Montreal Canadiens while they were rebuilding - which cost them a first and a third round draft pick. It's rare that such players ever get dealt, but perhaps the Flames look at a player like Trevor Zegras. If the Ducks believe the Flames could be a draft lottery team, a first round draft pick may be a fair return for Zegras.
If the Flames hot start continues for the next few weeks, some more noise will surround the potential of a blockbuster deal for them. It could turn out to be a great strategy, if the Flames quickly add veterans that can play with their young prospects entering the league on cheap contracts - but it could be very risky considering their failures last year. We'll have to see how it shakes out in Calgary, but things seem much more interesting than just a rebuilding year.
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