[Trochu]

I got off work early today and was listening to 960 on the way home with the discussion focusing on the availability of Karlsson. I've also read/heard the Flames are interested in E. Kane. Got me wondering, okay, likely dreaming, of a potential trade.

E. Kane:
I really hope the Flames don't go after this guy. Decent player, but hes a left winger. He won't crack the top line as he isn't better than Johnny, maybe play on the 2nd line, but I'm not convinced he's better than Tkachuk, so maybe the 3rd line and a PP guy. I think it will take considerable assets to get him which I don't want them to do for a 3rd line, PP specialist rental. I'm also not to fond of the apparent baggage that follows him around, we don't need that on a young team.

Karlsson:
This is were the dreaming comes in. I doubt Ottawa wants to trade Karlsson but I don't think they can afford to keep him. So, assuming he's on his way out and Ottawa wants him in the Western Conference, I was thinking TJ Brodie, Sam Bennet, and 2018 1st round pick (might need another 1st thrown in). The cap is about a wash, Senators get a top paring Dman (on Ottawa anyway), a top six forward (on Ottawa anyway), and a 1st round pick.

If this isn't Calgary's window, I don't know when its going to be in the next 5 years with Tkachuk, Jankowski, Rittich, and Ferland on relatively cheap deals and Smith and Gio's play likely declining, possibly rapidly, in the coming years. I don't know, may they are going to take Stajan's and Brouwer's money and sign someone, but Brouwer likely isn't going anywhere till 2021. If worse came to fruition, they could likely trade Karlsson next year and recoup some of what was spent. All that and I forgot Calgary traded their 1st round pick to NYI....

I also heard they are interested in Smith and his 3 goals and -18 in 2018. Anyone know why?