The Calgary Flames organization made drastic changes in the last year and a half that saw quality players traded because they disapproved of the franchise and its direction, mainly due to the coaches the team has chosen and the chemistry of the players who did their best but could not muster out a playoff performance this past year.
The team currently sits in fifth place in the Pacific Division, where they can either make a good run for a playoff position or not make the postseason for a second straight year. As the year progresses, are we in for more changes to the roster by the GM of the Flames, or are they content with the roster again this year?
Scenario No. 1
When it comes to being active at the trade deadline to make a push for the playoffs this year, there are many choices on the Flames roster that would be expendable to trade and acquire reasonable forwards to the defense that would help the team excel.
The first forward I would trade would be Jonathan Hunberdeau because of his potential value in getting a knock-out return. He might be a fan favorite who produces for the team when needed. However, trading away his contract and the unforgiving effort he has put towards the team would warrant separation from the Flames roster.
An ideal candidate on the market for the forward would be a risk worth taking. However, a golden opportunity to secure scoring for Calgary is Matt Duchene. Both Duchene and Huberdeau need a fresh start, and the sequence of events for both teams may be beneficial if they work out right.
Second on the list, I would go with Andrei Kuzmenko. His effort as a Calgary Flame is commendable, but trading him for a defenceman would be ideal for the team. Because of the depth the D-man could bring to the club and the need to somewhat rebuild the roster.
The defenseman I would pursue for Kuzmenko would have to be Brian Dumoulin of the Anaheim Ducks. He is an experienced Stanley Cup Champion, with a passion for shutting down plays that come his way and the fact that if a deal is worked out between the two clubs, it would ensure far more defensive depth to the team in general.
The third player on Calgary's roster I would trade Rasmus Andersson. Thus, because the contract talks are going nowhere this year, he wants more money than expected from him because he may not be a good fit for the team going forward.
For a first-round draft pick and Andersson, the Flames should pursue Mikko Rantanen of the Colorado Avalanche because of the substantial implications it would bring to the team. If it does not work out for Rantanen in Colorado, the best scenario in this situation would have to be to pursue him and his services. He is a well-talented forward who would do wonders for the Calgary Flames.
Scenario No. 2
A rebuild may be an option for the club after this year because of the way things are going for the team and franchise in general. If they do not make the playoffs this year, management might want to consider taking charge and starting a full-scale rebuild of the roster and organization.
The players to acquire at that point would have to be ones that can lead a group of prospects and upcoming hockey players on the farm team and obtain a steady level of draft picks to complement the players coming back to the Flames organization for a fresh start themselves.
This would give GM Craig Conroy a fresh outlook on the team and what to do with the roster as his time might shine as a good leader and great GM, like Brad Treliving. The road management in this scenario ensures that the team is ready to play and will come out winning.
The players to acquire would have to be someone like John Tavares, a natural-born leader who will be the person in the locker room to hold the younger generation accountable for the games played. His presence alone would bring a lot of confidence.
Scenario No. 3
The third scenario would indeed to be content with the current roster and see if anything opens up for the club down the stretch or in the future. Mainly playing their cards right and making moves accordingly.
This aspect would give the team time in the offseason to stop and re-evaluate their current status in the league with a wide and broad range of talent on the roster they could revamp. It would help with the process of solidifying a prime team.
This aspect could positively affect the team and generalize the needs and wants of the club, and it would give the fanbase time to cheer the Calgary Flames on and hopefully make a run for the Stanley Cup.