The Calgary Flames were expected to keep the ball rolling as the 2022-23 season kicked off, riding a seven-game losing streak before their 3-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday. However, things aren’t really going according to plans. So much so, that trade chatter has emerged out of Calgary with one rumour hinting at a possible transaction with the struggling St. Louis Blues.
On Saturday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman mentioned how the Flames were scouring the trade market for scoring help up front and believes the Blues could provide what Calgary’s looking for.
The season has been rough on the Blues and captain Ryan O’Reilly, who could be pushed onto the trade market. It’s been recently reported that there are only two untouchables in St. Louis, in Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas, and that GM Doug Armstrong would consider moving his captain for draft picks and prospects. After all, he is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer and lacks the no-trade protection.
O’Reilly, who posted 21 goals and 58 points in 78 games last season, is off to a slow start with just three goals and five points in 14 games.
There is also the option of Vladimir Tarasenko as he too is a pending unrestricted free-agent this upcoming summer.
The issue here might be that the Blues will wait closer to the trade deadline to make a move while the Flames might want quick fixing to their offensive needs.
Calgary will also need to get rid of a significant contract to make room for a player like O’Reilly or Tarasenko. Per Cap Friendly, the Flames have just $850,000 available. O’Reilly and Tarasenko both carry expensive $7.5-million cap hits, and at this time, they would bust the cap in Calgary!
Not sure what the Flames would or could give up in return. Still this is chatter that is getting attention this week.
