The Calgary Flames continue to remain in the fight in the Western Conference. Many felt the Flames hot start was just that, and Calgary would return to the pack. However, that is not the case. Flames GM Craig Conroy made a bold statement acquiring Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost from the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. But that is not the only bold statement he is making.
Besides looking for another center, one of the right-shot variety, Conroy has made it clear that he is not selling any of his big assets this season. Over the past couple of months, there has been a lot of trade buzz surrounding the Calgary Flames. Again, much of it was based on speculation about whether or not they would remain in the playoff mix.
Names like Rasmus Andersson, Nazem Kadri, and MacKenzie Weegar were making the rounds. Andrei Kuzmenko, whom the Flames dealt to the Flyers, was always going to be traded this season. Daniel Vladar, who will be a UFA at the end of the year, has also come up in trade discussions. However, there is some hesitation about moving him.
Elliotte Friedman, on Saturday’s Headlines on Hockey Night in Canada, reported that Conroy told teams that his big three of Andersson, Weegar, and Kadri were not available for trade.
Flames Sticking With Andersson, Kadri, and Weegar
As Friedman pointed out, all three of Andersson, Kadri, and Weegar are critical to what the Flames are currently trying to do. He explained:
“The Flames have told teams that Andersson, Kadri and Weegar are not available. Weegar has a contract. Kadri has a contract, but a number of teams have asked about him. Andersson, as you know, is heading into the final year of his deal, and the Flames are getting more and more confident they’re going to be able to keep him.”
Rasmus Andersson Extension Being Worked On
Conroy wants to keep Andersson long-term. Earlier in the season, Conroy stated that he knows Andersson loves the city of Calgary and loves playing for the Flames. “Rasmus is definitely a player I can see long-term for us,” Conroy told RG Media. “When you have a player who likes the market and wants to be there, you try to get that guy signed. And he’s at a great age.”
Even Andersson told Sportsnet’s Eric Francis that he wants to play for the Calgary Flames for the next two seasons and beyond. He is eligible to sign an extension on July 1st, 2025, and will likely receive a significant pay raise from the $4.55 million he currently makes.
But even with rumors surrounding Andersson, Flames GM Craig Conroy doubled down this past Thursday when Ryan Leslie of Sportsnet asked about Andersson and his intention to sign him.
“Rasmus is a huge part of the team. And the one thing we’ve talked about numerous times, he and I, he wants to be a Flame,” Conroy said. “He wants to be competitive. And he’s still got the year, and we can’t do anything until July 1. But I see Rasmus as a Flame. I do.”
The Flames Aren’t Sellers, They’re Buyers
If there is one thing the Flames proved with the trade they completed with the Flyers, it is that they’re buying, not selling. Conroy said when it comes to his core players: “We’re keeping them, we’re in the race, and they’re important to us.” Not only that, but he’s adding pieces that will complement his stars.
It makes no sense for the Flames to trade these players while they are in the playoff race. So many teams have emphasized making the playoffs this season. All three are a part of the leadership group in the room. He is rewarding this group for their play this season.
Craig Conroy will continue to get calls on these players, but it is unlikely he will be persuaded enough to trade any of them or move off his stance.
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