Flames Rumors: Calgary Unlikely To Move Struggling Andrei Kuzmenko


Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun doesn’t believe the Calgary Flames will trade Andrei Kuzmenko before the March 7 deadline. 

Kuzmenko’s production has dropped sharply this season, with just two goals and 11 points in 33 games after a standout 39-goal, 75-point rookie campaign. The 28-year-old winger, now a pending UFA with a $5.5 million cap hit and a 12-team no-trade clause, hasn’t generated much interest around the league. 

“How much would you be offering for a rental winger who hasn’t scored since mid-October?” Gilbertson asked, noting that the Flames might need to retain salary just to facilitate a deal.

Even with retention, Gilbertson doubts Kuzmenko would net more than a late-round pick in return. Healthy scratches have further diminished his value, and while a team desperate for power-play help might take a chance on the right-shot winger, such interest would likely come with expectations of a bargain. 

“Seems like an expensive lottery ticket,” Gilbertson said of the trade possibilities, adding that Calgary’s push for a playoff spot complicates any decision to move Kuzmenko.

Gilbertson suggests the Flames may ultimately keep Kuzmenko rather than use one of their salary retention slots for such a minimal payoff. 

With his production in steep decline and little interest on the trade market, holding onto Kuzmenko might be the more practical move as Calgary focuses on its postseason aspirations.

Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images