Despite the fact that the general consensus is this year’s draft class isn’t as strong as some may have hoped, it doesn’t mean that the Calgary Flames don’t have the opportunity to make some moves that will have far-reaching effects when it comes to their future.
The Flames do hold the 18th and 32nd picks in the first round later today, and hopefully both of those selections can garner them long-term NHL players who make lasting impacts, but at this point, it’s more appropriate to pontificate on what they might do with one of their longest tenured members that is the most intriguing.
Rasmus Andersson does still have a season left on his current, VERY team-friendly deal, making 4.55 million, but since he’s going into the last season of that contract, in just 4 days, he’ll be eligible to have the Flames offer him an extension. That’s where things get a little dicey. Many will surmise that his salary demands, or contract length, or even his +/- performance from last season (-38 doesn’t scream elite defender 😉 are all markers that should give the Flames organization pause before even considering an extension… I, however, with put forth the assertion that even if he would take less money AND less term AND a healthy season at least puts him on a positive plus/minus trajectory, it might still be in the best interests of the team moving forward to trade him today!
The truth is. You’re not likely to get any more for him than you can this weekend, as, despite what Florida did with their Brad Marchand trade last deadline, in-season trades don’t historically tend to move the needle as much as a trade that allows a player to start the season with your organization.
Not only that, but the Flames have a wealth of young defenseman that they need to be able to test in order to evaluate what they have moving forward. In my opinion, it simply comes down to a numbers game, and the Flames have a player who would hopefully net them a good return while also opening up opportunities for their depth players, who they hope can prove are ready to take the next step.
Of course, EVERYONE is waiting with baited breath on what Zayne Parekh will be able to bring, but there are also other prospects knocking at the door of the blueline slots who the Flames would be best served by giving them a chance. Guys like Hunter Brzustewicz need a longer look. Does Miromanov earn more games this year? Can Ilya Solovyov become a full-time NHL player? Call me crazy, but I think the Flames would be best served by trading Ras at what might be the height of his value AND popularity, even if the only justification is to open up space to see what their depth is comprised of.
The Flames have historically been a team that’s consummated draft floor deals…
Oh yeah… No draft floor this year… Terrible idea… Hopefully, this is just a one-off. 🙂
Thanks Shaun, I agree it’s best that the Flames trade Andersson today. He’s not part of the long term plan, and teams have more cap flexibility right now. Lots of trade action happening, come on Conny, get your phone going!
Totally agree. Their window isn’t now, and even though I wouldn’t say the same about Khadri or Huby, it’s because they’re signed. Could he provide leadership? Sure. But so can other guys and trading him now provides the best value for that asset