Calgary Flames Rumors: 5 Players Emerging as Trade Candidates

The Calgary Flames are a mess and it's only getting worse by the sounds of it. GM Craig Conroy has called off contract extensions with Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin and there's a sense the Flames are going in a new direction, headed down the path for a full rebuild.

If that's indeed the case, look for Conroy to ship out some players for draft picks and prospects and there's a number of Flames who could be involved. They include:

Chris Tanev

As a right-handed shut-down defenseman, Tanev is going to have a big market for his services. He holds a 10-team no-trade clause and will have some say in the matter. Tanev is a pending free agent who is making $4.5 million against the cap this season. So far in nine games, he's yet to record a point and is a -6. Last season in 65 games he recorded 13 points and his career high came back in 2021-22 when he collected 28 points. There's going to be a long line up for Tanev and a number of playoff bound teams will be interested including the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Elias Lindholm

The Flames broke contract extension talks off with Lindholm and there's basically a very limited chance he re-signs in Calgary. The Carolina Hurricanes would love to get Lindholm back in their mix as he's one of the best depth centres in the league. At just $4.8 million this season, being 28 years old and coming off a 64-point season, the list of suitors will be long. Look for the Flames to try and land a top prospect and first-round pick in this deal.

Noah Hanifin

Like Lindholm, contract extension talks are off and Hanifin is very likely heading to another team at some point this season. He's also a rental but if the team is within the United States, there's a very good chance he'll sign a long term extension. Sources have mentioned that Hanifin has his eyes on the Vegas Golden Knights and would like to join forces with close friend Jack Eichel. So far, no trade request has been made.

Nikita Zadorov

Zadorov called out his teammates earlier this season after some were making excuses for their poor performance. He cited that Darryl Sutter wasn't around anymore to blame and the Flames players needed to be more accountable for their own actions. Yes, there's lots going on in Calgary and their big towering physical defenseman is in the middle of it all. Zadorov plays with a mean streak and is someone at 6-foot-6 who will be appealing to a number of contenders. The Russian blueliner is signed for the rest of this season at $3.75 million and does not hold any trade protection. The Toronto Maple Leafs have their eyes on him.

Daniel Vladar

With a rebuild likely on the horizon it could mean Conroy looks to flip Vladar while his value is still high. The 26-year-old netminder is blocking Dustin Wolf from NHL playing time and could actually be the first of these five Flames to be shipped out of town. Vladar has no trade protection and can be moved at will. He's due $2.2 million this season and next and could provide a team a solid boost in their crease. Last season in 27 games, Vladar recorded a 2.91 goals against average. Conroy has been making calls for trades and the teams backup netminder could be moved in the coming weeks.

Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports