Flames targeting top NHL player to help continue hot start to season

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Daniel Lucente
October 18, 2024 (4:38 PM)

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GM of the Calgary Flames, Craig Conroy, is looking to add a top player via a trade to help continue adding to the team's hot start, per NHL insider Frank Seravalli.

The Calgary Flames got off to a real burst, winning four in a row and topping the Pacific Division heading into play Saturday. Two of those wins have come against weaker teams such as the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers, but victories over the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers did raise some eyebrows, as both of these teams are expected to be playoff contenders this season. That early-season success has seemingly turned the optimism switch back on in the Flames' front office, as there are whispers around potential moves that would position the team to take a run at a playoff spot. According to Frank Seravalli, General Manager Craig Conroy has already started to take calls on how to firm up depth up the middle.

One quieter development that is trickling its way into the news cycle is the growing attention throughout the league toward the Flames. With scouts from nearly half the NHL on hand to watch the LA Kings play host to the Toronto Maple Leafs, there was some speculation about Calgary's presence in the building. It has not been confirmed the Flames were in attendance, although based on Seravalli's report, it would seem highly likely. Making trades with either the Kings, a division rival, or the Maple Leafs, now managed by former Flames GM Brad Treliving, could prove trickier. Meanwhile, Calgary sports reporter Mike Gould had a juicy suggestion: Sabres center Dylan Cousins as a possible trade target.

As the season grinds along, much of the hockey world will be watching Calgary to see just how long the wave will last. While an undefeated season is impossible to ask, keeping a winning record and fighting for the playoffs will be an exceptional achievement for a team that traded assets just last season. Another intriguing situation is that of defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who had been thought to be on the trade block earlier in the month. Those trade plans can be reconsidered if the Flames continue to perform at the top level. Another key defenseman, Mackenzie Weegar, decided to block out the trade noise and take in their next challenge.

What's really exciting about the Flames now is how unpredictable they are. With each win, their storyline gets a little more intriguing. Be it that they continue to play well or do face some obstacles later on, they've certainly become one of the more interesting teams in the NHL. This next game against the Seattle Kraken is just another great opportunity for the Flames to keep the streak going and really stay in that position of serious contender.

The bottom line is, early-season success from the Flames has stirred excitement within and outside the organization. The possibility of bold moves to better position themselves for a playoff run adds a whole other layer to this intrigue. The rest of the season will be about seeing if Calgary can continue this pace, and how their trade strategies change amidst their performance.