Andrei Kuzmenko to be used as a major trade chip for the Calgary Flames at the deadline

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Tom Banks
August 18, 2024 (12:00)

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Andrei Kuzmenko excelled after arriving in Calgary last season, and now the talented winger is becoming a top trade candidate for Craig Conroy.

The Calgary Flames have well and truly become a team on the rebuild after moving out many top names in the past 18 months, and in the deal to move Elias Lindholm, they landed another top trade chip. That player is Andrei Kuzmenko, who broke out in his rookie campaign with the Canucks in 2022/23 with an impressive 39 goals, but after a slow start last season, he was acquired by the Flames along with other pieces for Lindholm.

In his short stint in Calgary, he turned things around quickly, posting 14 goals and 25 points in just 25 games, and now is shaping up to be potentially one of the most coveted players in the NHL at this years deadline.

"While the Flames are patient with Kuzmenko, his long-term future in Calgary hinges on his ability to round out his game beyond scoring. If he becomes more than just a solid goal scorer, he could earn a long-term extension. However, if he doesn't, he may become a desirable trade deadline trade target before he hits free agency next summer." Parsons said.

At 28-years of age, Kuzmenko simply doesn't fit the timeline of the current Flames organization, and if he continues his hot start to his career in 2024/25, expect Calgary to look for a solid return in exchange for the talented winger.

Source: Blade of Steel
Calgary Flames Andrei Kuzmenko could reportedly be trade chip for team this season