Flames Rumors: Calgary GM Rejecting Trade Offers

Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy has a tall task on his hands. The Flames sit five points out of a playoff spot in the West, meanwhile onlooking teams continue to contact Conroy regarding his two pending free-agent defensemen and goaltender Jacob Markstrom. To this point, no deals are close.

Conroy is looking for a first-round pick for Chris Tanev. The veteran defenseman is a shut-down top-four blueliner who is willing to sacrifice his body for a win. Tanev's known as one of the best teammates in the entire league and regardless of where he ends up, it's going to be bittersweet in Calgary. The Toronto native is owed $4.5 million against the cap this season and has a 10-team modified no-trade list. So far the Dallas Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs continue to monitor Tanev's availability.

Hanifin is certainly getting traded after contract extension talks recently broke off. He's made it known to Flames management he's interested in moving his family to America long term and prefers to be dealt to either the Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights or Boston Bruins. Conroy is looking for a three-piece trade for Hanifin which includes one first-round pick, an NHL-ready prospect and a conditional mid-round pick.

Markstrom on the other hand, waived his no-movement clause to join the New Jersey Devils but Conroy broke off talks once the Devils asked for the Flames to retain salary. Markstrom has two seasons left at $6 million AAV and he's enjoying a bounce-back season in Calgary, posting a 2.56 GAA and .914 Sv.% in 37 games. The Los Angeles Kings are also in contact with Conroy regarding a deal but so far the Flames GM hasn't been blown away with the offers.

The Flames are trying to make the playoffs this season but Conroy is also trying to re-tool on the fly. He wants to get full value on his two UFA defensemen and ideally if he can get a package for Markstrom, he'd consider once again asking the veteran netminder to waive his NMC.

Noah Hanifin is having a career year at the best time possible for he and the Flames.

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