Elliotte Friedman's confirmation clubs are asking about Calgary's netminder provides proof the Flames are in a perfect position to steer their re-tooling

It makes sense for the Calgary Flames to trade goaltender Jacob Markstrom prior to the March 8 deadline.

Caveat: That is if the right deal comes along and fits what the Flames want to do or are forced into.

Even the four-game winning streak they are riding heading into Monday’s road clash with the New York Rangers does not change two facts: the Flames are re-tooling, and general manager Craig Conroy does not want to lose high-valued pending unrestricted free-agents for nothing. So, even if they sit in a playoff spot, do not be shocked if the Flames trade away the likes of Noah Hanifin — who the team would prefer to re-sign — and Chris Tanev.

Markstrom has two more seasons worth $6 million per year on his deal and holds a no-movement clause, but trading him makes sense if a team is willing to knock Conroy’s socks off with a proposal. Actively shopping Markstrom makes sense if the team has decided, or can not avoid, a substantial teardown in light of no valued vets wanting to stay in the Stampede City.

With how well Markstrom has been playing, his value is sky high. And Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman confirmed clubs sniffing around his availability is not just fantasy during Saturday night’s broadcast.

Friedman said:
“We’re gonna lead with off with Jacob Markstrom. Now, the Flames and the Devils played earlier this week. The Flames beat them. And from what I understand, the two teams are not commenting, in the lead-up to that game the two teams had legit conversations about the Calgary goalie. Now, there’s a couple things I want to make clear here. Number one: I don’t know that this was ever taken to Markstrom, so I don’t know if he got involved, but I do think the two teams talked about it quite seriously and I think there were a couple of issues. One of course is the package it would take to get him, and the other was retention. Now, is it still possible? I just heard it was really tough to do, really difficult, and it stopped in its tracks. But the two sides did talk. I believe there were some serious conversations, and we’ll see if it picks up, although it just sounds today … it’s unlikely.”

Dealing away Markstrom (which would likely be easier in the summer, but not impossible before the deadline) would truly be a nuclear reaction for a Flames team that is staying in the playoff mix in huge part because of his play. As valued as Tanev and Hanifin are, trading Markstrom would indeed be throwing in the towel, a scenario Calgary’s management must weigh the pros and cons.

This organization has no desire to tear down completely and end up a bottom feeder for years, akin to what the Chicago Blackhawks, Arizona Coyotes and Buffalo Sabres did in the past. The goal is to remain competitive while turning over a roster into a younger squad.

Markstrom has the ability to keep them competitive through that change, and would also provide great mentorship when Dustin Wolf is a full-time NHLer.

He also has great value as a trade chip. As difficult as it would be to deciding which route is worth more, the Flames are best-served considering both forks and committing fully to the one they decide to take.

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