The Flames’ rebuild seemingly ended with the trade of Jacob Markstrom to the New Jersey Devils in the offseason. The organization traded Tyler Toffoli, Elias Lindholm, Andrew Mangiapane, Nikita Zadorov, Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin, possibly the last of the big names released as they sold assets and focused on the future.
That’s a lot to unload in such a short time, but are the Flames ready?
As the team prepares for the 2024–25 NHL season, there are a few names to watch as GM Craig Conroy puts the finishing touches on rebuilding his roster.
Andrei Kuzmenko is currently playing his final season under a contract he signed with the Vancouver Canucks. He is set to make $5.5 million this season, so it’s a big year for the winger. If he plays well and puts up numbers that match his last 29 games with the Flames, Conroy could invest in the winger long-term. If not, Kuzmenko will be an interesting name to keep an eye on at the deadline.
Playoff contenders are always looking for scoring opportunities; Kuzmenko excels at that, even if his strength isn’t the 200-foot game. He could be loaned out to a team in need of offensive players and could provide a solid return if he puts up good numbers in Calgary.
With two seasons left on his current contract, Andersson is the type of player who could get a hefty contract increase. At least, he’ll ask for it. However, there will be questions about whether Calgary is willing to invest in him as part of their rebuild, given that he’s 27 years old, will be 29 when extended, and a long-term deal would keep him in his late 30s.
See the original article to view embedded media.
He could be a better trade for a team looking for a solid defenseman who doesn’t necessarily need to be loaned out. If the Flames can find a team that still has a chance to win over the next few seasons, Andersson’s team-friendly $4.55 million deal is attractive.
Anthony Mantha, who signed a one-year contract as a free agent, could have been both a player with experience on offense and a player with solid flip potential, but he doesn’t quite fit the mold of players the Flames are moving forward with.
If Mantha is successful, his $3.5 million salary will be easily covered by his competitors if the Flames take 50% at the trade deadline. He is 29 years old and has several 20+ goal seasons in his NHL career.
