It’s challenging to read the Calgary Flames. They had a three-game winning streak going into the new year after winning their last game of 2023 and the next two to start the New Year. It seemed like they were about to make a turn for the better. However, following a 4-3 loss to the injury-plagued Chicago Blackhawks, the positive atmosphere soon soured.
Following the Blackhawks’ defeat, Flames supporters seemed on the verge of quitting. However, as this club has demonstrated in the past, they are capable of drawing you back in and are doing it now. The Flames defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-1 on January 14 to extend their winning streak to three games. They are still in the running for a postseason berth. Fans may find it exciting, but it’s a very unsafe place to be, and general manager Craig Conroy needs to make quick fixes.
Nothing Good Comes from Being a Middling Team
This Flames club feels a lot like it did the previous season in many aspects. Fans will recall that they were in the running for the playoffs right up until the very end and finished just a few points short of making the playoffs.
Most people would concur that they were a mediocre squad in the previous season, and even while some players have improved in 2023–24, others haven’t changed. Being able to defeat one of the NHL’s top teams on any given night is what makes being a mid team so frustrating. However, they can also lose against the worst, as the Blackhawks game demonstrated.
The Flames’ chances of making the playoffs are minimal given how many clubs are now fighting for a wild-card position in the Western Conference. This implies that they will probably finish just outside the postseason picture for the second consecutive year assuming they play at a similar pace the remainder of the season. Their first-round pick would come in the middle of the order, just like it did the year before.
It’s time for the Flames to sell. Conroy has three pending UFAs in Chris Tanev, Noah Hanifin, and Elias Lindholm, who should all provide strong returns. The Flames are still in the running for the playoffs because of the contributions of all three of these extremely influential players.
The Flames will struggle to win games and will consequently drop in the standings if all three are traded. Essentially, one should view it as a temporary inconvenience for future benefits. Not only is it necessary, but it must occur quickly as well.
Conroy should get those three out of there as quickly as can, even though the trade deadline isn’t until March 8. There won’t be as many games for the Flames to drop in the standings if he waits until March. They would have an excellent chance to secure a high pick in the 2024 draft if it happens now, given there is still half of the season left.
Conroy Needs to Act
Conroy will need to decide quickly on his course of action, even though the Flames would be better off selling right now. He cannot afford to wait too long and maybe sell his three key assets for far less than their market value, or perhaps cling onto them just to have them walk in the offseason. While it is understandable that he would want to wait for the best bids. It made sense to hang onto them throughout the winter, but the Flames should let them go now.
Be the first to comment