Flames Likely Trade Deadline Buyers, Won’t Deplete Roster

The Calgary Flames continue to hunt for the playoffs in the Western Conference. They sit in the second wild card spot but have come off the pace they set earlier in the season. Recently, the rumors were picking up surrounding the Flames and what they would do at the NHL Trade Deadline, specifically with defenseman Rasmus Andersson. 

However, Andersson and Flames General Manager Craig Conroy poured cold water on those rumors. It appears that Calgary could keep things status quo in terms of making trades as they look to remain in the playoff mix in the Western Conference. 

---

---

Flames Aren’t Going to Deplete Their Roster

Dave Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, in a recent episode of “The Latest,” stated the Calgary Flames, unless there is a drastic drop off in play and in the standings, will keep things as is and try to remain competitive for the playoffs and not sell off. 

“It’s going to be steady as she goes. I don’t see this team, unless there’s a dramatic fall-off, this team is going to continue to be in the playoff picture between now and the end of the season, let along the trade deadline. So for them, it’s a matter of remaining competitive. They’re getting a good balance attack up and down their lineup, and goaltending has been solid.”

Everyone expected the Calgary Flames to continue to sell this season. Last year, the Flames had a ton of players teams wanted to trade for dating back to the 2023 offseason, which included Tyler Toffoli, Nikita Zadorov, Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, and Jacob Markstrom. Flames forward Nazem Kadri poured cold water on the rebuild talk at the beginning of the season, and their General Manager continues his retool on the fly. However, it has not stopped teams from calling on their players. 

Pagnotta continued: 

But Calgary, yeah, they’ve generated calls on Andersson. They’ve generated calls on (Nazem) Kadri other players on this team, even Dan Vladar, their backup, who’s on an expiring deal, but Craig Conroy has told teams, look, they’re focused on making the postseason, so any move that they make is going to have to benefit them now and in the future.

As NHLTradeTalk.com has reported via RG Media, the Flames are looking to add a center to grow with their group, and they could use one of their first-round draft picks to make that move. 

As Buyers, Flames Are Looking to Add a Center

Pagnotta added: 

They’re still looking for a right-shot center to add to their lineup, preferably on the second line, but now, given their positioning, that’s more likely to happen in the off-season. So yes, I know there’s Andersson discussion and others, but really, why would they deplete their roster with the postseason within their grasp? That’s not part of the plan anymore for the Calgary Flames right now.

However, with action expected to pick up before the start of the 4 Nations Tournament, the Flames could be one of those teams looking to add. There is an emphasis on making the playoffs, and teams that many thought would be sellers, like the Flames, who are in contention, may stay put or look to add because of how important it is to a franchise to be in the playoffs. 

Next: McDavid Gets Away with Chicken Wing, NHL Fine Update