Early Look At Calgary Flames' Mid-Season Trade Candidates

The Calgary Flames had a season in which they would like to forget, but the bad fortune has carried over to the offseason. It was inevitable that the Flames were going to lose some of their 2024 UFAs, but not all of them. As of right now, nobody has committed to the team long-term. This could still cause some offseason moves, but likely some mid-season moves as well. Let's take a look at who could still be on the move.

Elias Lindholm

Elias Lindholm is the player that the Flames are waiting on to make a decision and the ball to drop. He has been offered a long-term deal, but who knows the direction the Flames are actually headed in. I don't think he's going to make a decision before the season starts, so if he lets Calgary know mid-season and he doesn't want to come back, they will have to move him. If the Flames fail to, they're going to lose a valuable asset and a number one centerman for nothing.

Mikael Backlund

The Flames are in a similar spot with Mikael Backlund. He had a career year last season and was arguably the best third line center in the league. He also has just one year remaining on his deal before his contract is up and who knows if he's going to be back either. He could make a strong trade piece as well since he brings great play at both ends of the ice and is a veteran leader. He's looking to win, and if the Flames aren't heading in that direction, he'll be on the move as well.

Noah Hanifin

Noah Hanifin is heading into the last year of his deal and is a young and valuable asset. He can play in all situations and is a top pairing defenseman or a very strong third d-man on a contender. The Flames still must make a decision on him as well since he could walk in free agency after 2023-24 too. His cap hit is attractive for a team to look at and once again, he would also get the Flames a great return.

Chris Tanev

Chris Tanev is where the value might drop a bit from the first three. Like all of them, he is also going into the last year of his deal. He is strong defensively and great for playoff hockey. He's become a bit injury-prone and I don't think the Flames see him in any long-term plans. They have options on defense, so if he's gaining any attention mid-season or before the trade deadline, they should hesitate to pull the trigger and get younger.

Dan Vladar

The Flames have three goalies capable of playing in the NHL this season and they aren't going to hold onto three on the roster to begin the season. Dustin Wolf will be forced to start the season in the AHL once again despite proving without a doubt he is ready for the NHL. Dan Vladar is the one that will be shipped out to make room, and even though I thought a trade would have happened by now, it might come during the season if a better opportunity arises for the Flames to get better value. Wolf will be a regular in the NHL at one point this season, so that means Vladar should likely be on a new team.