The NHL trade deadline is less than two weeks away, however, in this shortened season the race for playoff spots is tighter than ever. The number of teams who have all but given up at this the half way point of the NHL year, is relatively few. As a result we have fewer confirmed sellers right now than we normally do at this point in the year.
Earlier I looked at what Columbus had available for UFA rentals. Next we looked at why injuries will really hamper Florida’s ability to sell their UFAs, and followed that up with looks at the Buffalo Sabres, the Colorado Avalanche, the Edmonton Oilers, the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Today its on to the Calgary Flames.
The Flames have been spinning their wheels for several seasons, not winning a playoff round since their Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2004 and not even making the playoffs the last three seasons. Despite that, Flames management seems to be ignoring the obvious, and continue to try and make tweaks to the current core in desperate attempts to make playoffs, rather than starting a full scale rebuild. The Flames currently find themselves with an 11-12-4 record, and sit six points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. While the season is certainly not over yet, if things do not change very quickly, the Flames should become trade deadline sellers, and the following players could be available as soon-to-be UFA Rentals. This of course assumes that Flames management will finally throw in the towel.
While teams don’t always trade for just draft picks, and often will look for prospects who are closer to NHL ready, I have valued these players all on the draft pick scale, so it is easier to compare them to what is available on other teams, in my other articles. As always I am also only looking at players scheduled to be UFAs this summer, even though the Flames may choose to trade players with multiple years remaining on their contract.
Jarome Iginla: Parting with the long time face of the Flames’ franchise, and the team captain would certainly be a difficult decision to undertake, but it is one that many analysts, including myself, recommend in order to help the Flames kickstart their current rebuild. One potential issue is that Iginla does have a No Trade Clause, however he may be willing to waive it in order to go to a Stanley Cup Contender. Iginla started the season off slow, but in recent weeks is playing at the high level that we have grown to expect from him. If he is made available he becomes the highest profile player available at the trade deadline. With the level of parity in the league, their will be no shortage of suitors looking to add a game changing RW to the lineup, and the simple factor of supply and demand could drive his price sky high. I’m going to bet that this happens and expect the Flames to receive a great package if they trade Iginla. The cost for his services would likely be a First Round Pick and a prime prospect, but to value it on the scale I have previously used Two Late 1st Round Picks.
Roman Cervenka: A star on the Czech National Team, and playing for Avangard Omsk in the KHL last season, Cervenka came to Calgary as a much hyped Free Agent this summer. Things haven’t gone exactly as planned as Cervenka started the season off injured and has had some issues adjusting to the North American game. He has just 3 goals and 8 points in 21 games this season. That said there is potential here, and the Flames might see fit to try and re-sign Cervenka as at 27 years old and just learning the NHL game, he does have room to grow. However if the Flames decide to move on and trade the centre, he could be worth a 3rd round pick. It should be noted for any team looking to acquire him, that Cervenka has also had success at LW, where he played on the Czech Team on a line with Tomas Plekanec and Jaromir Jagr. The chemistry with Plekanec might make Montreal a viable destination for Cervenka.
Blake Comeau: Ever since scoring 24 goals in the 2010-11 season, Comeau has struggled. He had just 5 goals last year, and those came after he was claimed on waivers by the Flames, when the Islanders gave up on him. This season he has just three goals in 23 games for Calgary. Given his recent play and the fact that he is a scoring winger who no longer scores, its doubtful the Flames can get much value here. If offered a 7th round pick the Flames should take the deal and move on.
What do you guys think? Have I valued these three trade deadline rentals too high? Too low? Feel free to add your comments below.
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