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Calgary Flames Looking to Make Big Trade Splash Before Trade Deadline

One reporter suggests the Calgary Flames might try to make a splash at forward before the trade deadline. She mentions Jake DeBrusk’s name.

When asked if she thought the Calgary Flames would make a big splash before the NHL Trade Deadline on March 21st, The Athletic’s Hailey Salvian wasn’t sure about a “big splash”, but she did respond the Flames are likely looking for a depth defenseman and a high-impact forward. Among the names, she brought up was Jake DeBrusk of the Boston Bruins.

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Salvian wrote, “We’re a long way from the March 21 deadline, and a lot can change between now and then that could dictate what the Flames might do — like who is buying and selling, or what players may be available or off the market.” She added, that Calgary has tried to add depth defenders in the past, but this season might be the year to go for something a little bigger in the market of available forwards. “… the forward group feels like the bigger need. And that should be a bigger splash versus a depth piece,” she notes.

Suggesting the Flames know they lack secondary scoring, Salvian mentions a few names. She put together a list of 20 names, noting that only a handful of the names on the list pop out as realistic options. Among them were San Jose Sharks’ Tomas Hertl, Anaheim Ducks’ Rickard Rakell, Nashville Predators’ Filip Forsberg, and the Seattle Kraken’s Jared McCann. She then added that DeBrusk stands out as potentially the most logical option.

Jake DeBrusk Calgary Flames trade rumors
Jake DeBrusk Calgary Flames trade rumors

She writes:

“Jake DeBrusk is a name we all know is on the market now after his trade request became public. He had three solid scoring seasons (16-, 27- and 19-goal campaigns) before struggling the last two years, with five goals in 2020-21, and five goals to start this season. He seems like a player who just needs a fresh start.”

She also adds that his salary might be workable, but it is something the Flames will have to carefully consider. He’ll be an RFA with arbitration rights, and due a qualifying offer of $4.41 million. The Flames need to feel confident in his ability if they are going to go there.

No Reason to Rush a Trade

There is no evidence to suggest the Flames have spoken to the Bruins about a DeBrusk trade but his name is out there as a player who could be moved this season. If it happens, it likely won’t be anytime soon as the Bruins games have been postponed, the team has been decimated by COVID news and there is still plenty of time before the deadline to make a decision.

The Flames are also still right in the thick of the playoff hunt, holding down third place in the Pacific Division with 36 points.

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