The Calgary Flames have gotten off to an incredible start to the season. They currently sit perfect at 4-0, and this hot start could result in the Flames making an early season addition. NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that the Flames general manager Craig Conroy is shopping around for a centre to add to his group through trade.
The Flames currently have just two proven NHL centres, Nazem Kadri and Mikael Backlund, so this is a known position of need. Calgary seemed content to start the season by allowing internal players like Martin Pospisil an opportunity to prove themselves at centre. However, it now appears Conroy is looking to see if he can add to his team early on, and perhaps help speed up the Flames rebuild.
Let’s look at some potential centres that fit with the age of the Flames’ core moving forward.
Potential Trade Targets
Trevor Zegras – Anaheim Ducks
Age: 23
Shoots: Left
Contract: 2 years remaining at $5.75 million AAV (RFA)
Zegras fits the Calgary need of being a young centreman, although Seravalli noted the Flames preference was for a right-shot. Zegras is a former 9th overall draft pick known for his high-skill and at times flashy play. There have been rumours out of Anaheim that Zegras isn’t a part of their long-term plan that management has been shopping the player. Calgary’s current roster isn’t stacked with elite offensive talent making Zegras a potential great fit. With Anaheim looking to move off of Zegras this trade may be one of the more likely to happen. Zegras would immediately become one of the Flames’ top young offensive prospects. If he can learn to bring a more consistent effort and shore up his game away from the puck, he has the potential to be a franchise-type player.
Peyton Krebs – Buffalo Sabres
Age: 23
Shoots: Left
Contract: 2 years remaining at $1.45 million AAV (RFA)
Krebs is another first-round draft pick who hasn’t been able to fully cement himself as a difference-maker in the NHL. He’s currently playing on Buffalo’s fourth line. Krebs was dominant in junior as with most high picks. He displayed strong puck skills and playmaking though he hasn’t been able to translate his offensive prowess consistently in the NHL. Buffalo is desperately pushing to get over the hump and into the playoffs. This past offseason they traded top prospect Matthew Savoie to Edmonton for a more established, but lower-ceiling player in Ryan McLeod. The Flames and Sabres could get together on a trade if Buffalo looks to add more veteran talent in exchange for Krebs.
Kirby Dach – Montreal Canadians
Age: 23
Shoots: Right
Contract: 2 years remaining at $3.36 million AAV (RFA)
Dach has been dealing with injuries since being drafted third overall in 2019. He missed nearly all of last season and is off to a slow start in Montreal this year. Dach has all the tools to be a top player in the NHL, but injuries and inconsistency have seen him struggle to reach his potential. Montreal is in a similar spot to Calgary as they are working through a rebuild. However, they should be slightly ahead of Calgary. They have more young players with high offensive skill than the Flames. If Montreal gets off to a strong start they may look to add pieces, and this could help the Flames make the trade.
Barrett Hayton – Utah Hockey Club
Age: 23
Shoots: Left
Contract: 2 years remaining at $2.65 million AAV (RFA)
Hayton, like Zegras, was a high first-round draft choice. He is a skilled forward who nearly scored 20 goals in his only full NHL season. Unlike Zegras, Utah is not actively shopping Hayton. However, with so much young skill all coming up for contract renewal around the same time, Utah is not likely going to be able to keep everyone on the roster. They could try to capitalize on Calgary’s desire for a centreman and move off of Hayton for a solid return while allocating salary to the likes of Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, and Josh Doan. Hayton, similar to Zegras would immediately become the Flames’ top young centre, and has the potential to be a future number-one centre for a good team. The Flames may have to wait a little bit longer to see if Hayton could become available, and based on where he sits in the Utah lineup he could be the most costly to acquire via trade.
Looking Ahead To A Trade
The Flames need to be smart about how they look to add. Despite the early success, moving out any young players or picks should be approached with extreme caution. This is not a team that is one player away from becoming a contender. Each of the above candidates would be a suitable trade target, but only at the right price.
The Flames don’t have any surefire top centre prospects in the system. This early season success could be a sign that the rebuild can accelerate. Adding a young centre with team control who is underachieved to this point could be a huge coup for this organization.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
