Thursday, February 12, 2009

T-Radar: Calgary Flames Trade Talk


The Northwest Division leading Flames have stumbled somewhat as of late losing 5 of there last 6 games (tonight they are leading the Kings 1-0 in the 3rd period). I have the added benefit of listening to the FAN960 on a daily basis getting key insight from the guys there including Peter Maher (radio announcer of Flames games ever since their move from Atlanta) and Mike Rogers (former NHLer and color commentator). GM Darryl Sutter is definitely not in panic mode, however, as we head into the trade deadline. Historically, Sutter does not wait until the last minute to make his moves. History tends to repeat himself , so expect to see the Flames roster set before March 4. What can we expect from Mr. Sutter?

First of all, let me dispel some rumours I've been reading over the past several days:
  1. Vinny Lecavelier won't be wearing a Flaming "C" anytime soon as a Yahoo Sports reporter (Ross McKeon) eluded to.
  2. Mike Cammalleri will NOT be dealt, even if he is a UFA at season's end.
  3. Olli Jokinen??? I can't believe I just read a rumour that he might be heading to the Flames. How many years have the Flames' faithful heard this one over the past number of years?
  4. Martin Gerber as Kipper's backup - about as much chance as finding a vegetarian pit bull!
In a perfect scenario...
  • The Flames would obtain a true #1 centre that Iginla has never quite had (no offence Langkow). Dose of Reality: Not likely to happen given the salary cap room (or lack of) the Flames have. Flames fans: please don't rush out buying those Jokinen or Lecavelier jerseys.
  • Jay Boumeester: Welcome to the Rockies! A swift-skating 2-way dman like J-Bo would be a welcome editition. Dose of Reality: Not likely to happen as the Flames would have to give up too much for a guy who is a UFA at season's end and it is unlikely Calgary would be able to resign him.
  • Calgary would land a proven backup for Kiprusoff. First I heard the Gerber rumours (see above!). I've also heard talks of bringing in Manny Legace on re-entry waivers from the Blues. The latest is Ray Emery coming over to back up Kipper from the KHL. Dose of Reality: Sutter gave Curtis McElhinney a one-way pro contract in the off-season and the way he talks in interviews, is adamant that he's the guy they want.
More likely to see...
I'm interested to see what moves the Flames will make, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if the players obtained come right out of left field. Sutter is unlikely to make any big splashes. The more likely scenario is to see some tweaking of the roster to ensure forward and defense depth heading into the playoffs.
Some other names associated with the Flames:
  • Chris Neil (T-Radar rating of 4/10): Power forward would fit in with the Flames. Senators should be sellers.
  • Niclas Havelid (T-Radar rating 2.5/10): The veteran dman would provide depth, but I see him being shipped elsewhere. The Flames have Jim Vandermeer as a 7th dman, with Rhett Warrener likely eligible for the playoffs if needed. There is also Anders Ericsson in the minors - I think he's a great guy, but I personally hope as a Flames fan he doesn't see the Saddledome ice this season. I'd rather see him moved so he can get back to the NHL, just not as a Flame.
  • Dan Hamhuis (T-Radar rating 3.5/10): I'd love to see this guy in a Flames' uni, but would likely cost Lombardi + a good prospect.
  • Nik Antropov (T-Radar rating 1/10): I can't see Sutter trading for this perennial under-achiever.
I would like to see the Flames add a puck-moving dman who can help the PowerPlay which has been really weak as of late. They might have to dangle someone like Matt Lombardi, who has stepped up his play recently, to obtain such a player. If the cost wasn't too high: Mathieu Schneider or JM Liles might be good a fit.

3 comments:

cralph Feb 12, 2009, 11:11:00 PM  

Update: Flames knock off Kings 2-nil.

okaybluejays Feb 15, 2009, 9:00:00 AM  

Legace is available isn't he?

cralph Feb 15, 2009, 10:47:00 AM  

He is for sure - I did mention him above, but don't think Sutter will add another 'tender unless he can move McElhinney, but don't see that happening...
2 other names that arise with the Flames are:
*Nik Antropov: pls say NO, Darryl!
* Rostislav Klesla: Blue Jacket dman - I would like to land him, but he's currently out for 6 wks (if I recall correctly the duration)so not sure what his status will be.

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