The Calgary Flames had a disappointing 2015-16 season, failing to reach the playoffs after winning just 35 games. They’re looking to rebuild their franchise and become a more consistent playoff threat and they are apparently trying to do that through the draft.
The Ottawa Sun reports that the Flames are trying to secure a top-3 or a top-4 pick for the upcoming 2016 NHL Draft. The Flames currently hold the sixth pick in the first round, but they want to move up in order to have a shot at one of the prized players on the boards.
Ideally, the Flames would like to get into the top three or four and the Columbus Blue Jackets, Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers are listening to all offers because it never hurts to see what other teams are offering. But that’s where this becomes muddy because nobody is sure what Calgary is willing to give up.
The Flames want a shot at one of those top-end forwards like winger Jesse Puljujarvi (Finland) or London winger Matthew Tkachuk.
The Toronto Maple Leafs won’t deal their pick unless they’re offered an extremely lopsided deal. As for the other teams mentioned – the Blue Jackets, Canucks and Oilers – they may be more willing to trade their pick if the price is right.
What could the Flames offer? It depends on whether they’re willing to move their sixth pick in the transaction. It wouldn’t take too much to make the deal if their sixth pick is in the deal, but if it’s not it’d likely take some NHL-ready talent.
Stay tuned. A trade may not come to fruition, but it’s interesting seeing what teams are trying to do in the week prior to the draft.
