The Calgary Flames, as soon as regarded as totally embracing a rebuilding part, at the moment are reportedly trying to bolster their roster by way of commerce. Frank Seravalli appeared on Amazon’s Sports activities on Prime this previous week and reported that Flames’ common supervisor Craig Conroy has been working the telephones in an try to amass a middle for his or her middle-six lineup. Curiously, the Toronto Maple Leafs may need one out there.
The Flames have shot down the concept they’ll be sellers this season. After making important adjustments final season, Conroy is making an attempt to enhance the staff as they retool, prioritizing roster cohesiveness over contract uncertainty. However, there’ll inevitably be some change.
There are pending UFAs on the roster and an getting old ahead group. How most of the gamers on the staff will likely be right here subsequent season or in two seasons’ time? Issues look good now, however there are nonetheless questions.
The Maple Leafs May Have an Choice for Conroy
One potential commerce associate the Flames would possibly wish to speak to is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Hypothesis is that they may be keen to half with David Kampf, a participant who may meet Calgary’s wants.
It may be nicer if he was a few years youthful — and right-shot –, however Kampf, 29, is within the age vary of what Conroy is searching for. He’s locked in for 2 extra seasons after this at $2.4 million per season and he’s robust on faceoffs, with defensive acumen.
Kampf joined the Maple Leafs in 2021 and has since recorded 26 objectives and 47 assists whereas enjoying a bottom-line position. He’s not a giant level producer by any means, however his defensive play and penalty-killing talents are the place the worth is available in. The Flames sit close to the center of the NHL standings (18th) with a 76.5% penalty kill success charge and their goals-against in 5-v-5 and 4-v-5 are among the many greatest within the league early within the season, however are you able to ever have too many choices relating to defensively-aware forwards?
For the Flames, including a participant like Kampf may enhance their depth and present a staff that’s profitable that they intend to assist them hold profitable. He’s not costly and whereas he’s bought a 10-team no-trade, the Flames are trying fairly good proper now. He would possibly see a chance for an elevated position and extra accountability.
Why Would Toronto Do This Commerce?
Presently slotted because the fourth-line heart on Toronto’s depth chart, Kampf isn’t getting used as typically as he could possibly be. He ranks second-lowest on the staff in common ice time per recreation (11:03) and the Leafs have cheaper choices able to take a step up. To not point out, the transfer permits the Leafs to shed wage, whereas the Flames have loads of cap house to burn.
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The Maple Leafs are navigating a difficult wage cap scenario and will discover reduction by shifting Kampf, who, on the finish of the day, isn’t a difference-maker in Toronto.
Whereas the Leafs gained’t be anticipated to retain wage, it’d take a sweetener to get Conroy to maneuver on a deal like this. Ideally, these are the sorts of trades Calgary needs to make — add helpful items whereas additionally persevering with to inventory the cabinets with prospects or later-round picks. Kampf has been within the rumor mill for a while. Maybe it’s greatest to lastly pull the set off on a deal if he’s not a part of the organisation’s long-term plans.
For the Maple Leafs, that is about shifting cash and opening up some choices to do different issues.
