Calgary Flames Can Increase 2022 Cup Odds with Offensive Defenseman

The Calgary Flames are contenders for the Stanley Cup this season. General manager Brad Treliving should look for a new offensive, puck-moving defenceman. The deadline for NHL trade deadline is on Mar. 21.

Calgary Flames are currently second in the Pacific Division and second behind the Colorado Avalanche in Western Conference. They are tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins at eighth in league with a points percentage of .673. Their goal-differential at plus-55 puts them alongside the Carolina Hurricanes at third best league-wide. Jacob Markstrom is the backbone of the Flames’ defence, owning almost one-tenth of all shutouts recorded in NHL with eight. The team's first line of Johnny Gaudreau, Elias Lindholm and Matthew Tkachuk is probably the best in hockey.

The Flames have one of the best goal differentials in the league. Their defence is weak, as none of their defencemen is among the top 20 in points. Oliver Kylington is having a good season, but he's not an elite player. The team needs an offensive defenceman. Nikita Zadorov and Erik Gudbranson are slow and their combination would be a liability in a playoff series. Michael Stone is a seventh defence player, so he might be needed in playoffs. They have a great goal difference, thanks to Markstrom's magic between the net. Flames' defence and goalkeeping go hand in hand.

Calgary Flames have just shy of $1 million in cap space at the trade deadline. Treliving is looking for a top-tier defenceman. It's difficult to find one with offensive talent, affordable contract and a team that's selling.

Blueliners for Flames to Target at 2022 Trade Deadline. Treliving can't click his heels and make things happen without a trade partner.

Mark Giordano is a target for the Seattle Kraken. He is an unrestricted free agent this summer. Seattle wants a first-round pick and either a second or third-rounder in return. The Seattle general manager Ron Francis could put the same price on the table at the deadline.

Jakob Chychrun is a 23-year-old offensive defenseman. He has two goals in 39 games this season with the Arizona Coyotes. Last season he scored 18 goals and 23 assists in 56 games. Chichran ranked 10th in NHL scoring last year. Calgary Flames are rebuilding and have a lot of picks and prospects. They could make a deal for Chidchra.

John Klingberg is a pending UFA and a target for the Calgary Flames. He is worth $4.25 million per season. The Stars are fifth in the Central Division and are in a playoff race. If they don't make a run at the end of the season, he's probably off the market.

Nick Leddy is a 40-point player who played for the New York Islanders and Chicago Blackhawks. He is currently playing for Detroit Red Wings. Ledy is worth $5.5 million per year.

Colin Miller is a right-shot blueliner with respectable offensive upside. He is currently playing for the Buffalo Sabres. Calgary Flames are rebuilding and need to win the Cup. Miller becomes a free agent in July and carries a cap hit of $3.875 million.

Calgary Flames have their best chance at bringing Lord Stanley’s chalice to the Stampede City since 2004. General manager Treliving will make another big trade at the trade deadline for an offensive defenseman.