Insider Reveals Calgary Flames Trade Deadline Plans

The Calgary Flames are having a far better season than anyone expected after their sell-off of so many veterans last year.

Sitting in a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference heading into Thursday night's games, insider Elliott Friedman reported on The Fan Hockey Show that it sounds like GM Craig Conroy wants to reward his team by being a buyer at the deadline, with one specific position targeted.

"I don't think Craig Conroy has wavered on what he thinks is right. If he is going to trade, he would prefer to add for the future... someone that can help them now and later," said Friedman.

"Everyone knows he's been after a right-hand center—if he could get a young player with term who's an impact player now, he would."

And while taking a big swing for a player like Dylan Cozens of the Buffalo Sabres (with five more years left on his deal) would be Conroy's ultimate goal, Friedman says if that type of player can't be head, and the Flames do stay in the playoff race, Conroy could pivot (pun intended) and go for a right-hand center who's more of a short-term guy or a rental, as long he won't cost them much.

"It's a positive concession to, 'our team has put us in the race, and they deserve a little help... Our guys have earned that.'"

The Flames are 22-16-7 for 51 points, and hold a slim one-point lead on the Vancouver Canucks and St. Louis Blues for the second Wild Card spot before Thursday's play.