Rasmus Andersson Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports Calgary Flames GM Craig Conroy was active in the NHL trade market last season. Conroy shipped out core players, such as goaltender Jacob Markstrom, center Elias Lindholm and defensemen Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev. He also moved blueliner Nikita Zadorov and winger Andrew Mangiapane. Expect the Flames to continue being dogged by media trade speculation this season as Conroy retools the roster.
Some pundits have already started suggesting some trade candidates. Related: Three Calgary Flames Players Who Could Be Traded Next Nazem Kadri surfaced in the rumor mill in late June after the Flames shipped Mangiapane to the Washington Capitals. Toronto Star columnist Nick Kypreos wondered if the 33-year-old center would waive his no-movement clause if he didn’t see himself as part of the club’s plans.
TSN’s Darren Dreger reported teams were calling about Kadri, but the Flames see him as a big part of their retooled roster. Kadri is in the third season of his seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7 million. He also carries a full no-movement clause. Ken Wiebe of The Winnipeg Free Press acknowledged Kadri’s cap hit and no-move clause but speculated he could seek a change of address depending on how this season goes for the Flames.
Nevertheless, he thinks Kadri would be the perfect fit to address the Jets’ need for an experienced second-line center. Kadri might be open to a trade if this season goes sideways for the Flames. Plenty of contenders will be interested if he becomes available in the trade market. However, there’s no certainty he’ll accept a move to Winnipeg. Related: NHL’s Top Issues Facing the Calgary Flames: Tanking for the Top Pick, Huberdeau Returning to Glory and Kadri a No. 1 Center? Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Julian McKenzie recently replied to a reader’s question about the trade value of Rasmus Andersson. Andersson, 27, is considered a solid top-four right-shot defenseman.
He’s signed through 2025-26 with a reasonable $4.55-million cap hit. His six-team no-trade clause kicked in on July 1. McKenzie said he believes the Flames will only move Andersson if the price is right, adding his play this season will determine his value by the March trade deadline. He pointed out that they aren’t under any pressure to move him unless they get an irresistible offer.
That extra year on Andersson’s contract could boost his trade value. Contenders seeking a right-right blueliner might be willing to pay a little more to have him on their roster for two postseason runs. Andrei Kuzmenko was acquired by the Flames in the January deal that sent Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks. The 28-year-old winger struggled through the first half of last season but regained his scoring touch following the move to Calgary, recording 14 goals and 25 points in 29 games as a Flame. The Hockey News’ Jim Parsons praised Kuzmenko’s offensive skills but felt he must improve his overall game to have a long-term future with the Flames.
He’s in the final season of his two-year contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million. A big season by Kuzmenko will improve his value to the Flames and in the trade market. The cost of re-signing him could determine his fate.