We made it to September! We officially have hockey this month, which means any eleventh-hour trades could happen at any moment. Are there any realistic options out there for the Calgary Flames to make a splash, or would it make sense to hold tight until the deadline?

Senator Huberdeau

This made my eyes jump out of my head like a cartoon character seeing a pretty lady. Being able to get rid of the Jonathan Huberdeau contract in any capacity is a win. There’s no reason why you wouldn’t explore this. Shane Pinto is the bread and butter of the deal. The 25-year-old, right-shot centre is exactly what Craig Conroy has been looking for.

There is a bit of overcrowding within the forward group, so Craig Conroy would absolutely have to make corresponding moves. Maybe he’d be a bit more eager to do that once he adds a 20+ goal scorer to the mix. Michael Amadio has this season and next left on his deal, reaching unrestricted free agent status at the age of 31. Meh, just deal with it. He could be a good fourth-line option along the way.

Verdict: I think the Ottawa Senators would want more, but they’re not asking for it here, so yes.

A couple more Andersson deals

The rumours of Rasmus Andersson only wanting to go to the Vegas Golden Knights could be false, but imagine if a trade comes to fruition. Jeremy Lauzon is in the final year of his contract and would likely walk in free agency. He could provide extra stability on the back end and allow players like Daniil Miromanov and Jake Bean to have snacktime in the press box.

Plus, you get draft picks. Let it happen. I’m very curious as to how this new cap compliance stipulation impacts Vegas and its approach to the postseason. Could we start to see a crack in their armour?

Verdict: Get it done.

Stop trying to make Andersson a Maple Leaf

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. The Toronto Maple Leafs have nothing of interest to the Calgary Flames for a Rasmus Andersson trade. I really don’t like having to wait until 2028 for the real meat and potatoes of this deal.

Verdict: No, thank you.

Dealing with the Devils

Another veteran defenceman in Calgary? Groundbreaking. I don’t see Calgary’s need for it or their interest in this unless a number of injuries arise.

Verdict: It’s a situational one for sure… I am leaning toward no.

Deja vu, Dougie

I am perplexed. Dougie Hamilton did his 18 months in Calgary and was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. Hamilton never really meshed in Calgary, and rumours were always swirling about his character, personality, or possible trade destinations.

Hamilton has battled through brutal injuries and hasn’t played a full season since the 2022–23 season. The Flames shouldn’t be giving up second-rounders in general, but definitely not in this case.

Verdict: Not a chance.

I just know a New York Islanders fan put this together. Why on earth would the Flames give up all that for a 28-year-old Mathew Barzal and some throwaway pieces? I am going to give myself wrinkles from furrowing my brows so much. Why would the Flames be sending all that? This is the greed they talk about in the Bible.

Verdict: No. Come talk to me when you want Connor Zary or Nazem Kadri, and you have a more realistic offer.

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