3 Players for the Calgary Flames to Target at the NHL Trade Deadline

Three players for the Calgary Flames to target ahead of the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline to become true Stanley Cup contenders.

Few teams have surpassed expectations quite like the Calgary Flames have so far in the 2021-22 NHL season, but they are still a couple of pieces away from being serious contenders for the 2022 Stanley Cup.

The Flames currently have the Pacific Division of the Western Conference under their thumb as they sit four points ahead of the L.A. Kings with three games in hand. As we approach the March 8th trade deadline, Calgary, who sits 33-14-7 riding an 8-1-1 record in their previous ten games, has the room and needs to make a serious splash for some improvements in their lineup.

While there are certainly plenty of players to lay your eyes on, there are three players who could transform the Calgary Flames from being Stanley Cup contenders to Stanley Cup champions if they play their cards right. Without further delay, here are the three players the Flames should target ahead of the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline.

3. RD Justin Braun (Philadelphia Flyers)

You can never have too much depth on the back end, which is why the Calgary Flames should look to make a move a prey on the struggling Philadelphia Flyers and see if they can’t pry away one of their defensemen, mainly Justin Braun.

The 35-year old veteran has been there and done that, providing this young core with some invaluable playoff experience. Given that the Flyers haven’t had much to show for the 2021-22 NHL season, the asking price won’t be too steep, considering also that Braun is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.

While the Flames don’t have a lot of cash to throw around, as they’re pretty tight with their salary cap currently, Braun comes in with an AAV of $1.8 million, a rather inexpensive player that the team can get without giving up the farm.

In 53-games this season, the veteran blue-liner has 4 goals and 10 assists maintaining an even plus/minus. On a team that gets shelled often by opposing teams, a defenseman who doesn’t sit in the minus column is always a huge plus. Braun’s biggest asset to the Flames would be an added physical player willing to get in the shooting lanes. In the playoffs, especially in the Western Conference, you can never be too physical.