Calgary Flames Put Surprising Name on Trade Block

The Calgary Flames are poised to be one of the prime sellers at the trade deadline, with all sorts of pending unrestricted free agents available. But they're taking calls on much more than just Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin. 

With 3 NHL-capable goaltenders available, teams starved for help between the pipes have been interested in one of the Flames' netminders — but until now we hadn't really heard starter Jacob Markstrom's name being in the mix. 

According to NHL Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, they are getting calls on their No. 1 goalie. 

With two more years remaining after this one, at a $6 million dollar cap hit, it certainly won't be an easy fit for many teams, and it's unknown how much the Flames would be willing to retain if they went that route. 

Nevertheless, Pagnotta says it's certainly on the table to potentially move on from the soon-to-be 34-year-old.

Nothing is imminent, by any stretch, but at least two clubs have poked around on his availability and my understanding is that the Flames would entertain trading him if the right offer presented itself.

With top goaltending prospect Dustin Wolf killing it once again in the AHL this season (.930 save percentage, 2.30 goals against), Calgary can afford to deal from strength, but Markstrom would be a mighty tough deal to make given that huge cap hit and term left on his deal.

Markstrom holds a 2.67 GAA this season, with a .908 Sv% and a 10-11-2 mark for the struggling Flames. Calgary sits one game under .500 at 17-18-5, in 6th spot in the Pacific Division.

In his 14-year NHL career, the Swedish netminder has a 2.72 GAA with a .909 Sv%, along with 19 shutouts and a 202-184-57 record. 

Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports