Rumor: Calgary Flames trading Johnny Gaudreau; 3 potential destinations

 The Calgary Flames are a complete mess and after another disappointing season, the roster will see major changes this off season. GM, Brad Treliving has gone through four head coaches and eleven different goalies during his seven year tenure which has also only included one playoff-series win. Maybe it's not the players....but regardless, if Treliving is holding the keys, there will be huge changes including handing the team over to Matthew Tkachuk. This means Johnny Gaudreau mid as well pack his bags.

As Gaudreau's name makes the rounds across the hockey world (see below), there's one team that will come calling, and soon. The Buffalo Sabres.

Their offer will be centered around RHD Rasmus Ristolainen and expect the Flames to push hard for Sam Reinhart to be included in the deal. The Sabres know the Flames have massive holes on their defense coming, but if Calgary deals 'Johnny Hockey' and doesn't replace some of his production up front, Brad Treliving mid as well trade himself out of town.

The Florida Panthers are another team to watch, as they have some cap space and a need for some offense. The Flames would likely consider a 1 for 1 for RHD Aaron Ekblad, but we would be hard-pressed to see the Cats trade Ekblad after a career season. Perhaps a two for one with LHD Michael Matheson and RW Brett Connolly going the other way would be enough for Treliving to hang his hat on. 

While the Panthers and Sabres could pull this heist off, so could the Montreal Canadiens. The Habs are open to moving RFA-to-be Max Domi, and Domi fits the style of play the Flames are looking for. 1-for-1 wouldn't be enough but perhaps the Habs are open to moving a couple of their 2nd rounders in the upcoming draft.

My Take: If you're going to trade a 27-year-old LW who makes under $7 million and had 99 points in 2019, you better be plugging a couple of holes with the return. A solid defenseman with term on his deal, and a winger who can keep up with Matthew Tkachuk, but one who can also put the puck in the net. The two for one with the Sabres appears ideal. 

via GIPHY

From@frank_seravalli: Change is coming in Calgary.

MORE: https://t.co/jKHW2aV30v pic.twitter.com/3VZ4gtmMvw

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 22, 2020

Photo credit: Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire 

In an era where owners are looking to save money, there's fantastic value to be had in acquiring Johnny Gaudreau from the @NHLFlames this off-season.

Think of a potential trade along the lines of Phil Kessel to Pittsburgh.

(Via @lukefoxjukebox)https://t.co/LYmKLj7skM

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 22, 2020