The Calgary Flames and General Manager Craig Conroy have had a lot of roster turnover lately. As a result, it is now time to call the situation in Calgary a rebuild. Here we shall discuss how the Flames made out after recent trades, the NHL free agency period, and what current veterans think about their club’s situation currently in Cow Town.
The State of Current Affairs for the Calgary Flames Roster
Going back to June, Conroy made two significant moves to the Flames roster. Conroy completed trades of goaltender Jacob Markstrom and Andrew Mangiapane. In total, this knocked nearly $12 million off the club’s projected salary cap hit for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Furthermore, this was a continuation of the club actively moving pieces leading up to the 2023-24 trade deadline. At that time, the Calgary Flames were also moving some significant roster pieces. Players like Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev, Nikita Zadorov, and Elias Lindholm, all effective veterans in their own rights, were all shipped out by Conroy. No one trade can be identified as such, but the overall body of work now is a major statement by Conroy. The Flames are in rebuild mode, and there’s more proof of it as well.
Another key reason why the Calgary Flames are entrenched in a rebuild, is their salary cap hit. According to puckpedia, the Flames currently sit second last for their projected cap hit in 2024-25 at $67.18 million. The NHL’s salary cap floor is only at $61 million. Therefore, if the Flames decide they want to continue to move veteran pieces, they will need to take that into consideration. A couple of those potential veterans to move for the Flames are Nazem Kadri or Blake Coleman. Each player would be a tremendous trade deadline pickup for a team looking for that additional boost from playoff contention to Stanley Cup contention.
The Calgary Flames May Be Forced to Move on From Nazem Kadri
The Stanley Cup winning Nazem Kadri is an interesting discussion piece. You’d think, at his age, 33, he would like to play for a chance at a cup. In contrast, he likes it in Calgary, as well as having a no-move clause in his contract. He does a great job of providing leadership to the group in Calgary. The reality remains, that hockey is business, and maybe come February after a long season, Kadri will change his tone and be open to a trade. However, it is further interesting to point out, that Kadri does provide value to the Flames in another way. He helps the club stay above the salary cap floor at this point. This is not something Calgary is accustomed to having to consider.
Craig Conroy was already discussing the Flames situation as a rebuild, with a three-to-five year plan in place. Therefore, the club, and also importantly, the fans, will have to endure some growing pains over the next couple seasons. Young goalie Dustin Wolf will be thrust into more action in 2024-25. Combined with playing behind a young defence like he will in Calgary, there are going to be some tough games for the Flames. That is simple reality.
Looking at Their 2024 Free Agency Period Signings
In terms of the actual signings that Conroy has made around the free agent period thus far, they have been underrated. They have been value signings, and securing productive NHLers simultaneously. A lot of these players are perfectly suited to support the club’s rebuild. These signings included re-signing Yegor Sharangovich, and bringing in new pieces such as Jake Bean, Anthony Mantha, and Ryan Lomberg. All three will be able to contribute for the Flames in 2024-25. Additionally, we shall see what they can do, probably with slightly more responsibility than they are used to being placed upon themselves. This is a way of bringing the best out in players.
Moreover, let’s not forget some of the big name veterans that remain with the club. Kadri, as well as Jonathan Huberdeau or Blake Coleman are all examples of players that can play top-line minutes, as well as some others as well. So, there is potential for those players to grow together if they want. Even though some of them may be in their 30s, with the Conroy proposed three-to-five year timeline, they can still be productive on into the tail end of that. In addition, Conroy has seemingly established the Flames current position as a rebuild, there is room for optimism in Calgary. The sky remains the limit for Wolf in goal. Also, the draft selection of Zayne Parekh at ninth overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft could see him develop into a star for the Flames squad.
Main photo: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
