The Calgary Flames have been back and forth this season on whether they stick with their players or sell. It's looking more like the latter, which prompted widespread speculation.
A slow start to this season made the Calgary Flames the subject of media trade chatter during the fall. A 10-4-2 hot streak from Dec. 12 to Jan. 16 silenced that speculation for a while, but it resumed after they lost four of their last five games.
THN Calgary's Randy Sportak wondered again how much longer Elias Lindholm will continue wearing the Flames jersey now that Calgary is drifting away from the playoff race. He pointed out that the pending UFA center sits atop most insiders' lists of trade candidates.
Steve MacFarlane felt there should be few untouchables on their roster. In addition to Lindholm, he noted that defensemen Chris Tanev and Noah Hanifin could also be on the move by deadline day.
The speculation on the Flames carries over to other squads as well, who may be looking for upgrades.
THN Vancouver's Adam Kierszenblat mentioned the Canucks could be interested in Lindholm, citing Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. He said adding Lindholm could provide the Canucks with more lineup flexibility, and he fits a two-way style that coach Rick Tocchet looks for.
THN's Rangers site contributor Matthew Mugno said the Rangers could target Lindholm to replace injured center Filip Chytil, while the New York Post's Larry Brooks reports the Rangers have him at the top of their wish list.
Colleen Flynn of THN's Avalanche site said Colorado is also linked to Lindholm but may be in competition with the Boston Bruins. Flynn said the center would be a strong fit on both rosters. THN Boston's Harrison Clark noted Lindholm should be on top of their wishlist to bring some two-way expertise the team lost when Patrice Bergeron retired.
Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Sun's Scott Billeck included the two-way center on his list of trade options for the Jets.
Friedman also said Tanev would be a good fit with the Ottawa Senators in their search for “pros” to improve their young roster. THN Ottawa's Steve Warne said Tanev could be a better free-agent target in the off-season to mentor the Senators' blueline core, but he listed some obstacles to acquiring him. The 33-year-old defenseman has a 10-team no-trade clause, and he might be unwilling to join a non-contending club this season or next season.
THN Toronto's David Alter cited TSN's Darren Dreger about the Toronto Maple Leafs being among several teams interested in Tanev. Then there's the chance he could return to the Canucks as well.
As for Hanifin, Friedman noted the on-again, off-again nature of his contract talks with Flames management. He believes the 27-year-old blueliner must make a decision regarding his future following the upcoming all-star break.