On the Calgary Flames and Montreal Canadiens …
@Prospects_Watch: Tony Marinaro said on the radio (a couple of days ago) mentioned a Flames-Canadiens trade rumor – Max Pacioretty for T.J. Brodie.
On the Calgary Flames …
Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: The Flames lack offensive depth and ’emotional engagement.’ To acquire those it may cost them one of their core defensemen – either Dougie Hamilton or T.J. Brodie.
If the Devils were able to turn Adam Larsson into Taylor Hall, the Flames should be able to get a top-six forward for Hamilton or Brodie.
The Flames lack draft picks this year, so they may have to give up a defenseman.
They have some prospects in the system, so they may be able to afford to part with a roster player. In the system include Juuso Valimaki, Rasmus Andersson, Oliver Kylington and Adam Fox.
The Flames might also be able to recoup a draft pick or two.
Kristen Anderson of the Calgary Sun: Flames players know some change is coming.
“When you don’t get the job done or make the post-season in professional sports, there’s always changes,” said Calgary Flames centre Sean Monahan. “I think that’s just something you have to deal with. You never know what’s going to happen. And whatever happens, we have to do better next year as a team.”
Their core of Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan, Matthew Tkachuk, Mike Smith, Mikael Backlund, Travis Hamonic, etc. are safe but there are some that are not. They shouldn’t look the same as they did this year.
Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Flames: The 21-year old Sam Bennett has seen his scoring decline each season, 18 to 13 to 11.
The Flames may need to decide if he’s a part of their core for the future or not.
“Mentally, when you think you’re a high-end guy and then the adjustment period to the NHL isn’t as smooth as you thought, then your confidence wavers. You know, that happens a lot,” the scout said. “The NHL is not an easy game. It is a humbling game. Hopefully, he will learn from this experience and not producing and maybe find a new way to channel his skill-set that will make him a key performer.”
The Flames will be looking for some scoring help this offseason, and do the Flames think he can provide the offense next year or is he trade bait to bring in that offense?
GM Brad Treliving:
“(Bennett) is a real good young player, but we need more. We need more there, and we have to find out how we can get that.”