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    Michael DeRosa
    Michael DeRosa
    Aug 7, 2024, 18:43

    The Calgary Flames have traded away several notable players since last season, but with the rebuild still not finished, who could be next?

    The Calgary Flames have traded away several notable players since last season, but with the rebuild still not finished, who could be next?

    Since last season, the Calgary Flames have traded away several notable players. Nikita Zadorov, Elias Lindholm, Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev were all traded before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, while Jacob Markstrom and Andrew Mangiapane were dealt to new clubs this summer. 

    With all these trades, it is apparent that the Flames are not afraid to move out talent as they continue retooling their roster. It would not be surprising if this trend continued to the 2024-25 season. But which players could end up moving? Let's discuss three potential candidates now.

    Blake Coleman, C

    While the Flames had an underwhelming season in 2023-24, Blake Coleman certainly did not. The Plano, Texas native was excellent for the Flames, recording new career highs with 30 goals, 24 assists, and 54 points in 78 contests. He also maintained his gritty style of play with his increased offense, posting 128 hits on the year. 

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    After a season like this, Coleman's value is naturally higher, and the Flames could decide to hear offers for the 2011 third-round pick at least. He is also on the wrong side of 30, which helps his case of being expendable for the right price.

    Every team in the NHL would love to have a hard-nosed, skilled player like Coleman in their middle six. Because of this, if the Flames ever put him on the block, he would be an incredibly hot commodity. 

    Andrei Kuzmenko, LW

    The Flames acquired Andrei Kuzmenko as one of the pieces back from the Vancouver Canucks in last season's Lindholm trade. Before the move, Kuzmenko struggled with the Canucks, and his role decreased because of it. As a result, he was primarily included in the trade to help it work financially. 

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    The change of scenery benefitted Kuzmenko greatly, as he bounced back in a big way in Calgary. In 29 games with the Flames following the trade, he posted 14 goals and 25 points. With numbers like these, he certainly has gained some of his value back, and it would not be shocking if the Flames shopped him if they fall out of the playoff race next season. This is especially so when noting that he is entering the final year of his deal and will be an unrestricted free agent next July if not extended. 

    If the Flames made Kuzmenko available and his hot stretch of play carries over to 2024-25, he would be a popular target for teams looking for a skilled forward in their top six. 

    Dan Vladar, G

    Dan Vladar is another Flame to pay attention to in trade talks this season. The 26-year-old is entering the final season of his contract and will be an unrestricted free agent next July if not re-signed. Thus, he could be made available near this season's trade deadline.

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    Vladar is coming off a down year with the Flames, recording an 8-9-2 record, a 3.62 goals-against average, and a .882 save percentage. While it was not the best year for the 2015 third-round pick, he has had past success in the NHL. For example, in 23 games with the Flames in 2021-22, he had a 13-6-2 record and a .906 SP. If he gets back to that form, he will be an appealing target for clubs needing an upgrade at the backup position.