Flames' Elias Lindholm Trade Fallout
Plus, could the team have an interest in trading for Tomas Hertl?
Welcome to the THW Calgary Flames Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Flames writers.
Elias Lindholm was finally moved! In today’s edition, we have a piece on the fallout from the move. We also look at why the team could have an interest in acquiring Tomas Hertl. Additionally, there are two archive articles: one looking at goaltenders who got away from the Flames and another revisiting the Jarome Iginla trade to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
It would be great if you’d share the THW Flames Substack with your friends and family so they can subscribe and enjoy all the latest.
Now, on to the good stuff…
Flames Fleece Canucks in Massive Lindholm Trade
February 1, 2024 by Rupert McDonald
The Calgary Flames were expected to begin selling, and they did so on Wednesday night. Just days ahead of the All-Star Game, it was announced that they had sent Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Andrei Kuzmenko, prospects Hunter Brzustewicz and Joni Jurmo, a 2024 first-round selection, and a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick.
This was the second deal these two teams have made this season, as the Flames sent Nikita Zadorov to the Canucks in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2024 and a third-round pick in 2026. Flames fans were rather upset with that return, but are jumping for joy over the haul they received from Lindholm.
Flames That Got Away: 3 Goalies Who Found Success Elsewhere
January 31, 2024 by Greg Tysowski
They say hindsight is 20/20. So, I’m quite positive every single NHL general manager looks back wistfully at former players who simply couldn’t cut the mustard on his team but then found stardom playing for another franchise. Of all positions, it’s no secret that goaltenders are the most difficult to evaluate and develop.
Their progression into full-time professionals can take twice as long as skaters and even then, there is no guarantee of success. That’s why it’s no surprise the Calgary Flames have punted multiple notable netminders who flamed out in cowtown, only to find success elsewhere.
Insider Suggests Flames as Potential Destination for Sharks’ Hertl
January 31, 2024 by Rupert McDonald
The Calgary Flames have entered the All-Star Break five points shy of a wild-card spot in the Western Conference, prompting most to believe they will be sellers at or ahead of the March 8 trade deadline. Plenty in the fanbase have been adamant that it is time for a rebuild given how mediocre the team has been for a long stretch of time. Management, however, seems to think differently.
It seemed as though management was gearing towards more of a retooling rather than a full-fledged rebuild, though at least one insider in Jeff Marek doesn’t seem to think they’ll go that route. Speaking on The Jeff Marek Show Tuesday morning (Jan. 30), he suggested that he views the Flames as a potential landing spot for disgruntled San Jose Sharks forward Tomas Hertl.
“You know what I say being a fit here,” Marek asked co-host Elliotte Friedman. “And, it wouldn’t be [Jacob] Markstrom going the other way, it would be Dan Vladar. I mean we all know what the score is with [Elias] Lindholm here, we all know that this is a team that’s going to take a large step backwards. This is a team that still wants to remain competitive as they bring in some of their younger prospects. They’re going to lose Lindholm and his cap hit as well, maybe other players depending on what happens come trade deadline time.”
Flames Could Come to Regret Losing Ruzicka on Waivers
January 30, 2024 by Rupert McDonald
Last week, many were surprised to see the Calgary Flames waive two players and lose them both. The biggest surprise was Nick DeSimone, a 29-year-old defenceman with just 27 NHL games to his name, being scooped up by the New Jersey Devils. He is best suited as American Hockey League (AHL) depth to be called up in case of injury, so most assumed he would pass through the waiver wire unclaimed.
Adam Ruzicka was also waived and picked up by the Arizona Coyotes. This wasn’t as big of a shock, as there was some belief that the Czechian forward could get an opportunity to join a young and rebuilding organization such as the Coyotes, who should be able to give him plenty of opportunity to prove that he is an NHL player. While this could work out great for Arizona, it could be a move that the Flames will come to regret.
Calgary Flames: Revisiting the Jarome Iginla Trade
January 30, 2024 by Colton Pankiw
Over eight years ago, in late March 2013, Calgary Flames fans were heartbroken to see not only their best leader but one of the best leaders in NHL history in Jarome Iginla get traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The move didn’t come as much of a shock, as his contract was set to expire at the end of the 2012-13 season, and the team was in the midst of a rebuild. Still, it was very hard to say goodbye to the man who wore the ‘C’ for nine seasons and was still an incredible player.
Coming the other way in the trade were Kenny Agostino, Ben Hanowski, and a first-round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, which they used to select Morgan Klimchuk years later. While it was clear that winning a trade involving Iginla would be extremely tough, this return, even at the time, seemed somewhat underwhelming. Still, both Agostino and Hanowski appeared to have some potential, and the first-round pick certainly added some value.
Flames’ Kylington Makes Comeback, Sends Positive Message
January 30, 2024 by Derek Olsen
For the most part this new year, the Calgary Flames have been a rollercoaster; at times they seem like they are on an upward trajectory and then the team seems like they are on the verge of needing a rebuild. After starting January with a 6-2 run and climbing into a playoff spot, the team was mired in a four-game winless streak, losing all four in regulation. They thankfully broke said streak with a 1-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks before the All-Star Break commences. Nevertheless, they are back on the outside looking in, and are in need of an inspirational spark. In their recent loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets, they should have gotten one.
Fans of the Flames and hockey in general witnessed something truly magical and important on Jan. 25, 2024. Flames defenceman Oliver Kylington, after a year-and-a-half hiatus from professional hockey, made his NHL comeback in a game against the Blue Jackets. He subsequently suited up against the Blackhawks on Jan. 27 and looks to be set to finish the season with the team. He is skating on the Flames’ backend for the first time since May 2022, when he was 24 years of age. Now 26, he is accomplishing something bigger than making the NHL or winning a Stanley Cup; he is winning his battle with mental illness. Let’s take a deeper look at Kylington’s recent play, his future prospects, and what his journey means to the hockey world.
3 Most Disappointing Calgary Flames at the All-Star Break
January 30, 2024 by Gary Pearson
The Calgary Flames’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread, with their case to secure a wild-card spot being hindered by the underwhelming play of the three most disappointing players as All-Star Weekend beckons. Every season has some pleasant surprises, those who improve and perform at an elite level. Contrastingly, as sure as at least one cold snap in a Calgary winter, there’s a handful on the other side of the spectrum, those who cannot match their own expectations, let alone the demands of a restless, impatient fanbase.
While other candidates exist, Jonathan Huberdeau, Elias Lindholm, and Dillon Dube take the ignominious tag of being the Flames’ three most disappointing players thus far. That’s nothing new for Huberdeau, who endured one of his worst seasons last year in his first as a Flame. Unfortunately for him and everyone affiliated with the hockey club, his level during the current campaign has worsened, a prospect Flames fans dreaded.