Given the early success of the Calgary Flames, it may be interesting to look at a few rental options. The “let’s remove roster players for cap space… discussion can wait until the Flames cool down. The Calgary Flames currently have 280k in cap space. This projects to be 1.4 million by the deadline. Here are some guys that would either fit at the deadline or require very little in terms of roster movement to bring them on board.
Forwards
Tyler Ennis — The 32 year old journeyman offensive right winger has some concussion issues, but is putting up a solid season in Ottawa. One goal and five assists in ten games. He would be decent powerplay insurance down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Cap hit: 900k until the end of the season.
Buddy Robinson — Why lie to you all? I miss seeing this guy in the lineup. Maybe Darryl passed on a good word to his former employer and got Buddy a contract with the Ducks. He’s down in the AHL playing for the San Diego Gulls, but he could probably be brought in for “future considerations….
Cap hit: 750k until the end of the season.
Nick Cousins — Nashville is currently playing far too well to be trading players off the roster. If the Predators happen to start losing then Cousins would be a great rental. The 28 year old Ontario native can play center or wing. He plays a hard game with zero fear. Even though he is 5’11… and 185lb — he hits like a truck. He’s good for around .25 points per game.
Cap hit: 1.5 million until the end of the season.
Defensemen
Troy Stetcher — I’ve never been a fan of Troy Stetcher. He’s weak on the puck and undersized. Canucks fans adore him despite his presence on their team being an indication that they’re likely drafting in the top 10 in the coming draft. All of that said, he looked pretty good with Mangiapane at Worlds. He makes a good first pass and has plenty of skill with the puck.
Cap hit: 1.7 million until the end of the season.
Andrej Sekera — not much tread left on the tires of the 35 year old Slovak. That said, he knows everything there is to know about defending. He could easily ride as a 7-8 defenseman heading into the stretch. He could be an invaluable addition if injuries start piling up.
Cap hit: 1.5 million until the end of the season.
Robert Hagg — As a depth piece, 6’2… 205lb Robert Hagg fits the Sutter mould for a defenseman. He has a goal, two assists and is +2 in 11 games with Buffalo this year.
Cap hit: 1.6 million until the end of the season.
Nick Holden — 6’4… 214lb Nick Holden isn’t having the best season in Ottawa. 1 assist in ten games and an ugly -6 in a contract year. He would appreciate a move to a team that can shelter his minutes. He only played 17 games the year prior in Vegas. That said, he’s big, can hold the blue line and would come cheap. The 34 year old has shown he can play a solid game clogging the neutral zone and would come in handy once injuries start to accumulate.
Cap hit: 1.7 million until the end of the season.
These guys are just some potential cheap acquisitions. Given the Flames’ cap situation — expect a trade like this, but hope for something more exciting. The team is playing well and despite it being less fun; playoff depth may be more important than finding a way to bring in Phil Kessel. Later in the week we’ll look at some available players that are considered more as game changers and what it may take to acquire them.
The Flames play the 6-4-1 San Jose Sharks tomorrow at 7pm MT.
Trevor Neufeld