3 Trade Rumors Following the Calgary Flames into the 2023-24 Season

The Calgary Flames are looking for a bounce-back season in 2023-24 and have a lot to prove under new head coach Ryan Huska and general manager Craig Conroy. New leadership, but mostly the same team as lots need to happen for the Flames to make a serious run as a Stanley Cup contender this season.

As far as trades go, expect to see Conroy very busy throughout the season as Calgary is expected to have no choice but to move a couple of players who won't be re-signing with the team. Three trade rumors following the Flames into this season include:

Will Elias Lindholm Stay or Go?

Elias Lindholm will be one of the most sought after free agents next summer, that's if he hits the open market. If it was up to Conroy and the Flames, he'd be signed long term already, but that's not the case at all. Lindholm makes a very reasonable $4.85 million against the cap this season and is coming off a year where he put up 64 points in 80 games. This past summer it seemed liked the narrative changed whichever way the wind blew. If a contract extension can't be worked out, Lindholm will be traded, book it.

Noah Hanifin Requested a Trade

Earlier this summer the American-born defenseman let management know he'd like to continue his hockey career playing in the United States. Hanifin came up with the Carolina Hurricanes, was moved to the Flames as he didn't have any trade protection and he's rode out four and a half years in Calgary. As a pending unrestricted free agent, Hanifin does have a bit of control as teams aren't going to sell the farm for him if he's not interested in re-signing a long-term deal. The 26-year-old is set to make $4.95 million and now holds an 8-team no-trade list he's since submitted to Conroy. Expect a trade at some point.

Daniel Vladar Drawing Trade Interest

A number of teams reached out to the Flames this summer to see if Vladar was available, including the Toronto Maple Leafs where old friend Brad Treliving is now working. Conroy didn't budge moving the 26-year-old netminder as Jakob Markstrom hasn't been the most consistent tender of late and is signed for three more seasons. Calgary needs Vladar and hope he can bounce back from his .895 save percentage this season. At only $2.2 million against the cap for this season and next, and without trade protection, no wonder teams are interested.