3 Trade Assets for the Calgary Flames

The Calgary Flames haven't made it passed the second-round of the playoffs in 15 seasons and if the team is going to parlay their regular season success into playoff wins, they need a more balanced attack and some solid goaltending. 

General manager Brad Treliving went out this offseason and signed the likes of Chris Tanev, Josh Leivo and Jacob Markstrom. All three players came from the rival Vancouver Canucks, and Treliving hopes they can come in and spark the team. 

At this point, the Flames' roster appears set and the team has roughly $1 million left under the cap. If they make any trades this season expect whatever money comes in, also goes out. 

3 Trade Assets for the Calgary Flames

Sam Bennett

The 24-year-old former fourth overall draft pick from the 2014 draft has yet to live up to the huge pressure put on his shoulders. Last season Bennett finished with 12 points in 52 games and fell out of the favor of his head coach. Bennett's career high in points is 36 from his rookie year, however, he saved himself some time in Calgary with a solid 8 points in 10 playoff games last season. If Bennett can't find some consistency next season, expect it to be his last in Calgary.

David Rittich

With Jacob Markstrom signed for the next six seasons, Rittich has become expendable. At 28 and a late bloomer, Rittich has trade value on the market. He's a pending unrestricted free agent, so there's a chance a team in the eastern conference needs a rental veteran for this year. A team like the Pittsburgh Penguins could come calling. Rittich was horrible in his playoff appearance last season, but had a great regular season. In 48 appearances he held a 2.97 goals against average and a .907 save percentage. His $2.75 million contract is fair value for someone capable of starting.

Johnny Gaudreau

Now before Flames fans throw stones, just know trading Gaudreau is unlikely, it's just the point that he could fetch a ton on the trade market. Johnny Hockey is 27, holds a cap hit of $6.75 million for the next two seasons, and his modified no-trade protection doesn't kick in until the last year of his contract. Gaudreau only managed 58 points in 70 games last season and but his 99 points from the year before shouldn't go unnoticed. If the Flames get serious about changing the culture, Gaudreau will be the first to go. 

The Calgary Flames seem to be one of those regular season teams who can't find the same success in the playoffs. The Flames are becoming Matthew Tkachuk's team, he's one name you won't see dealt any time soon. The other three, well...there's certainly a chance.

Photo credit:  Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire