Flames Could Be the “Wild Card” This NHL Offseason Says Insider

“Before we get to that, I just want to say… of all the teams that have Wild Card written all over them, in terms of, could surprise us, Calgary Flames are one of them. I’m just going to tell you, I’ve talked to other teams today that said Brad Treliving is everywhere, talking to everyone.”

LeBrun then spoke about how the Flames have identified goaltending and their blue line as the team’s two biggest needs. Reports are that Treliving has contacted the Arizona Coyotes about Darcy Kuemper, and he’s paying close attention to the UFA market. LeBrun did add that the door is not completely closed on Cam Talbot and that the Flames have kept in touch with Talbot’s camp about a potential extension.

Treliving is basically looking at all his options and what LeBrun noted might be the most interesting is what happens when the first dominoe potentially falls on the goalie market and how that might affect other teams like Edmonton, Detroit or Carolina.

Treliving said in an interview with the media that he’s not closed the door on anyone. He’s gauging the market and has some decisions to make, not only in net, but a number of defensemen are up for renewal as well.

“I think we’ve got a good team but we’re like a lot of teams that gotta get better. There’s only one team that’s happy right now.” He added that he’s not “blowing it up” and he’s not intending to ship out players just for the sake of making changes. “We’ve got good players and here and we’ve got to add to that.”

No Proclamations Coming From Flames

“If you can change, certainly we’re open to some change,” Treliving said. He called the market cautious and tentative, saying there are lots of discussions going on but this is a new frontier. Not knowing when you’re playing and the flat cap has led GMs to being careful.

As such, he noted that everyone will be looking at both their short-term and long-term plans and goals and it would be mistake to say there won’t be movement, but hesitated to say they’ll be busy.

Treliving believes they’ll be moves that take place well beyond the draft and free agency. It sounds like he plans to have his finger on the button just in case he needs to push it.

Next: Calgary Flames Prospect News: Valimaki, Zavgorodniy, Kirkland & Tuulola