Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
The Calgary Flames are aggressively working the phones in order to try and improve their team.
Phil Kessel is available and there's obviously the Brian Burke connection, which has led many to suggest Kessel could end up in Calgary.
That seems extremely unlikely, though.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman is reporting that GM Brad Treliving and the Flames won't be pursuing a potential trade for Kessel.
Beyond the Kessel-Burke connection I'm not sure Kessel makes a lot of sense for the Flames.
First and foremost he has a huge contract with a lot of term left on his deal. I really like Kessel but in a cap world it's tough to make room for that kind of contract.
Friedman has already reported the Flames don't want to do anything that could hinder their ability to get Sean Monahan, Johnny Gaudreau and Mark Giordano locked up long-term. Bringing in Kessel and his long-term deal that carries an $8 million cap hit could do that.
Acquiring Kessel would also cost high-end assets. The Flames are in the middle of a planned rebuild and the Maple Leafs are about to embrace one. That, of course, means they'll be looking for quality, young players and high draft picks. At this point it doesn't make much sense for the Flames to part with those types of assets.
Then there's the fact that Calgary isn't on the list of eight teams Kessel would accept a trade to, though it's possible he could be convinced to waive his no-movement clause.
Nevertheless, it seems that the Flames have their eyes on a different style of player.
It's certainly no surprise that Calgary would like to get their hands on one of those two-way, rough and tumble guys like Backes.
The Anaheim Ducks fed the Flames their lunch in the 2nd round and Anaheim's in-your-face two-way studs like Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler were leading the charge.
The Flames don't have many guys that play that style and in a very physical Western Conference it couldn't hurt to get a couple players like that if the fit is right in terms of age, salary, etc.
Whether the Flames end up with Backes, Milan Lucic or another player of that ilk remains to be seen, but if a deal of that nature doesn't happen it probably won't be for a lack of trying.
Recent posts
Could Matt Bartkowski be a fit in Calgary?
Flames aggressively working the phones
Calgary Flames: 2nd round draft targets
Should the Flames re-sign David Schlemko?
Should the Flames re-sign Karri Ramo?
Flames considering changes in goal + Marcotte signs
Calgary Flames: 1st round draft targets
Could James Wisniewski make sense for the Flames?
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»