It's more of a want than an absolute need but, in a perfect world, it'd be nice for the Calgary Flames to get a legitimate top line winger to play alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.
Micheal Ferland performed admirably in that spot during the 2nd half of the season but it'd be ideal to play him a little bit lower in the lineup and have him move up if there are injuries and the team is in a pinch.
The perfect linemate for Gaudreau and Monahan, or anyone, really, would be a big, strong winger who can skate, score, defend, and drive play.
Apparently, a player who meets that criteria may just be available.
Excerpt via Elliotte Friedman's 30 Thoughts which, as always, is worth checking out:
2. An unusual name started circulating in trade circles the last few days: Minnesota’s Nino Niederreiter. The 24-year-old winger had a career-high 25 goals in 2016–17, and, after making a few calls, it sounds like teams are looking at the Wild’s expansion/cap situation, wondering if he could be available. Two years away from unrestricted free agency, Niederreiter is arbitration eligible and will get a nice raise from the $2.7 million he just earned.The Wild also need to re-sign Mikael Granlund. As an exec from another team put it, “It may not be their first choice, but if you make it worth their while, it’s possible.… All GM Chuck Fletcher would say is, “We are actively listening... on everything.…
Now, I'm not sold Niederreiter will be moved and I don't think Friedman is suggesting it's a lock to happen. He is a great player and Fletcher would probably get a lot of pushback from the Wild's analytics department if he tries to move Niederreiter.
In saying that, if Niederreiter is available the Flames have to make a push for him.
Niederreiter has scored at least 20 goals in three consecutive seasons, has put up 100 points over the last two and, at 24, is just entering the prime of his career.
I think the Flames are only a couple pieces away from really making a run at the Cup and Niederreiter could be one of those pieces.
Given Niederreiter's age, I'd be comfortable trading a futures package including the 16th overall pick and a quality prospect like Oliver Kylington to pry him from Minnesota.
Would Brad Treliving, and is it enough? Maybe, maybe not, but it's worth finding out.