NHL Rumor Mill – March 26, 2024
The latest on the Flames and debunking a Carter Hart rumor in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
LATEST ON THE FLAMES
DAILY FACEOFF: Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy was a seller in the trade market during this regular season, shipping out Nikita Zadorov, Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin between November 30 and the March 8 trade deadline.
However, Frank Seravalli reported Conroy hinted that his club might be a buyer in this summer’s free-agent market. The Flames have almost $19 million in cap space for next season. Conroy won’t target the big-name unrestricted free agents but could pursue one or two mid-tier UFAs.
Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy.
Conroy said he wants to let his young players have a chance to perform. However, he’d like to add a couple of veterans on two or three-year contracts.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Given the trade rumors dogging players like goaltender Jacob Markstrom plus the movement of core players like Lindholm, Tanev and Hanifin, this was a difficult year for the Flames
Nevertheless, the Flames were at times in playoff contention during this season, partly because of young players like Yegor Sharangovich, Connor Zary, and Martin Pospisil. With those players improving, Oliver Kylington back in the fold and youngsters like Dustin Wolf, Matt Coronato and Jakob Pelletier getting their chance, perhaps a turnaround won’t take too long.
Adding a couple of affordable veterans to bolster their depth would ease some of the pressure and workload on those younger players.
CALGARY HOCKEY NOW: Trevor Neufeld recently listed “6 spicey free-agent targets” for the Flames this summer.
Bringing back winger Ryan Lomberg could be an option. Former Flames GM Brad Treliving let Lomberg walk following the 2019-20 season. He’s spent the past four seasons with the Florida Panthers where his rugged play has made him a hit with Panthers fans.
Another physical option could be Arizona Coyotes winger Liam O’Brien. Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron could bring skill and experienced leadership to the Flames.
Neufeld also suggested reuniting Flames playmaking winger Jonathan Huberdeau with Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Duclair. The two played well together with the Florida Panthers.
Other options include Colorado Avalanche winger Jonathan Drouin or Edmonton Oilers defenseman Troy Stecher.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’ll be interesting to see if any of Neufeld’s suggested targets end up on Conroy’s offseason wish list.
CARTER HART TO KHL RUMOR DEBUNKED
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Max Miller reports a rumor from Russian television linking Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Carter Hart to KHL team AK Bars Kazan has been debunked by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Hart, along with Calgary Flames winger Dillon Dube, New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod and defenseman Cal Foote and Ottawa Senators restricted free agent Alex Formenton, were charged in January with sexual assault by London, Ontario police.
The charges stem from an alleged incident in June 2018 while the five were members of Canada’s World Junior hockey team. Hart, Dube, McLeod and Foote are on indefinite leaves of absence from their NHL clubs. They’re awaiting a trial date.
The Russian report claimed the five players will likely continue their playing careers in the KHL as they won’t be accepted into the European leagues. It also claimed the players must receive judicial permission to leave North America to continue their careers.
PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: Jon Bailey doesn’t believe the Russian report passes the smell test.
“Asking a Canadian court to grant permission for a player facing a serious charge to leave the country for a nation on which Canada has imposed 153 sanctions for the invasion of Ukraine makes the prospect of Hart playing in Russia before his trial wildly unrealistic,” writes Bailey.
Bailey noted that Hart will be a restricted free agent following this season.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Friedman indicated there is no truth to this rumor. I think Bailey also summed up this nonsense quite well.
Maybe Calgary can resign Elias Lindholm as I don’t see Vancouver signing him.
If Lindholm is still seeking $9m plus , if any team hands that out they should expect buyers remorse.
Lindholm is in his 10th season, scored over 30 goals once that was in 21-22 when he scored 42 goals 40 assist for 82pts and was an amazing +61
The 21-22 was the only season Lindholm was a point per game player.
Lindholm in his 10 season has 2 really good season the other season 18-19 27 goals in 78pts otherwise he a 50 to 60 point guy with 20 plus goals.
Lindholm will turn 30 in December, so the kind of player he is has been established. He’s not a bad player but he isn’t elite.
If you can pick him up for $6.5m – $7m could be a good add. $8m plus no thanks.
It’s certainly possible the Flames would look to resign Lindholm if he’s looking for a reasonable contract, but I don’t think it happens. Knowing the direction of the team, his age, and his decline, I think he’ll look to go somewhere with a chance of winning and not have to be ‘the guy’.
I think that’s best for the Flames too. I like the idea of getting a few decent veteran’s in, because I’ve seen what a full tear-down does to the young guys in terms of creating a losing culture (think Ottawa, Buffalo, and pre-McDavid Edmonton). I think Calgary (right or wrong) is hoping to retool not just because of their expensive long term contracts, but also because teams that have let their young guys get used to losing have trouble clawing out of the hole they dig.
Need a few guys with a big compete level, and I think Lindholm has lost his a bit.
Don t see LINDHOLM RETURNING TO Calgary with all his ex teammates are elsewhere!All the other players that the author mentions as going to Calgary are really just spare parts that won t move the needle for them! Would be better off with guys like Debrusk that have family close by in Canada!Will be interesting to see how all these prospects brought in thru trades pan out!