Three’s company? What does future hold for Flames’ top trade targets?

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Right here’s what we all know … The NHL’s commerce deadline is now simply three weeks away. The Calgary Flames, with rookie basic supervisor Craig Conroy on the helm, will likely be entrance and centre because the clock ticks towards the 1 p.m. MT freeze on Friday, March 8.

We preserve listening to, and this isn’t about to vary, that the Flames are fielding provides on three key items — beginning puck-stopper Jacob Markstrom and defence companions Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev.

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And so we surprise … What comes subsequent? Who would be the first to go? Will all three be sporting a distinct brand on March 9?

Let’s take a better have a look at the Flames’ three commerce targets:

CHRIS TANEV

WHAT WE KNOW: The 34-year-old Tanev is usually described by teammates as an ‘final warrior.’ In his most up-to-date playoff look, he toughed it out by means of the ache of a dislocated shoulder and a torn labrum — and nonetheless confirmed his normal willingness to sacrifice his physique. Tanev has been every part that the Flames had been hoping for when he was signed as a free agent in 2020, however he’s now into the ultimate months of that contract and is strictly the kind of reliable veteran that contending groups are searching for.

WHAT WE’VE HEARD: We now have heard that Tanev’s former boss, Brad Treliving, would like to convey the revered rearguard to Toronto. We’ve heard that his former defence companion, Quinn Hughes, is angling for a reunion in Vancouver. We’ve heard the record of potential suitors may swell into double digits. Whereas the Flames had been reportedly asking for a second-round choose, maybe they might intention even increased if there are such a lot of bidders.

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WHAT WE WONDER: When do the Flames begin scratching Tanev for ‘asset administration’ or ‘trade-related causes’? Tanev isn’t about to dial again his fearless fashion — he ranks second within the NHL with 153 blocked pictures — so the one assured approach to keep away from an harm is to take away him from the lineup.

JACOB MARKSTROM

WHAT WE KNOW: We all know that Markstrom is beneath contract for 2 extra campaigns, so this wouldn’t be your commonplace rental, and that he’d must waive his no-move clause to approve any potential commerce. We all know that beginning goalies are hardly ever swapped so near the deadline. We additionally know the 34-year-old Markstrom is having a stellar season — by some statistical measures, even higher than 2021-22, when he was the runner-up in Vezina Trophy voting — and that a number of Stanley Cup hopefuls have issues about their shaky netminding.

WHAT WE’VE HEARD: This has been a sizzling matter all week, with phrase that the Flames and the New Jersey Devils had severe conversations a couple of Markstrom commerce. Some insiders say it was darn-near carried out. Whereas it’s believed Conroy has possession approval to eat wage, it’s been reported that retention was one of many obstacles.

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WHAT WE WONDER: Past the Devils, are there any severe suitors? May the Carolina Hurricanes, for instance, a squad that’s sitting fourth within the Japanese Convention regardless of a dreadful workforce save proportion, make a run at buying Markstrom? We additionally surprise concerning the response contained in the Flames’ locker room — from the established veterans, specifically — if their finest participant is traded away for future property.

NOAH HANIFIN 

WHAT WE KNOW: We all know the Flames pitched a profitable long-term extension to Hanifin, hoping this pending free agent would stick round by means of the re-tool. Hanifin, who simply turned 27, is an elite skater, is able to logging main minutes and has arguably been Calgary’s finest blue-liner this season, so it’s no shock that they’re hesitant to lose him. He received’t be simply changed.

WHAT WE’VE HEARD: On this case, it’s extra about what now we have not heard. Since Hanifin has not signed that contract provide, believed to be value roughly US$60 million over an eight-year span, most are assuming that he has as an alternative knowledgeable the Flames that he envisions his future elsewhere. If that’s true, he’s sure to be shipped out by March 8. It has been rumoured this Boston-raised rearguard could favor to play within the U.S.

WHAT WE WONDER: If Hanifin already has one skate out the Saddledome door, can the Flames maximize the return by permitting commerce suitors to speak extension along with his agent? Does this smooth-skating left-hander have a brief record of desired locations, or is he adamant about exploring his choices in unrestricted free company?

wgilbertson@postmedia.com

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