Thebrewcrew

At least the media is tempering expectations… It’s asking a lot out of any rookie to play a key role on a cup contender. He still hasn’t played a single game of pro hockey.

Pretty compelling trade. I think it’s a big ask from Edmonton to expect Howard to play a big role this year. He produced the same season that Rutger McGroarty did a year ago, and McGroarty struggled to find footing in the NHL as a 1st year pro.

Between the Flames and Blues, the two players I think the Sabres covet are Zary and Neighbours. Whichever team is willing to part with one of those guys, likely lands the player. I really like Zary and I’d hate to see him go. But, it seems like the organization views him as an LW, rather than a C. If the Flames believe Byram can be a top pairing option, you have to move the winger for the D. It’s also pretty well known that Byram would be happy to play in Calgary. It’s a tough decision, but if the Flames can acquire Byram, it makes the future of the blue line look really good. In the rebuild, the Flames would be looking pretty good in net and on the blue line. It’s the forwards they would have to figure out

Consider the Flames fortunate here

I think the LA offer was likely two first round picks. That sounds great, in theory. It was likely the 2025 1st, which was in the neighborhood of the 25 range and the 2026 1st. That pick is also likely in the 20’s. don’t get me wrong, it would have been a nice return, but picks in the 20’s aren’t nearly as exciting as Dreger would lead you to believe

One thing with Mangiapane. I don’t know that he’s been the same player since the shoulder injury

I mean, that offer is a 1st, 3rd pairing d-man with term and a bottom six forward. Not exactly kings ransom

I wonder about trading Andersson to Vegas, then flipping those assets to Buffalo for Byram. If the Flames could get a 2027 1st and Whitecloud from Vegas, package those two assets from Buffalo with a forward from the Flames roster, I wonder if that gets you into the ballpark for Byram. I don't really want to include Zary in a deal, I'd rather move Pospisil or Farabee. I do think Pospisil would check a lot of boxes for a Sabres team looking to be tougher to play against

That would be my preference. Credit to the Flames pro scouts for identifying Bahl as the trade target as opposed to Holtz in the Markstrom trade.

I think Holtz was a miss in the top ten of the draft. Think he’s closer to being Alex Nylander than a guy who was worthy of being a top ten pick. 46 points in 163 games. I’m not sure the Flames want him. If they did though, I don’t think they need an offer sheet. You could probably get him for an AHL prospect like a Kerins or Kuznetsov. Not a lot of trade value with Holtz right now.

This is a great return for NYR

They’re got their core locked in. the big issue will be Bob. They’re going to have a really hard time replacing him, when he either retires or ages out as an effective goalie.