NHL Rumors: 2 Calgary Flames Trade Candidates

The Calgary Flames are a powerhouse and a team many don't want to face in the first-round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. They have elite goaltending in Jakob Markstrom, and play a lockdown defensive-first system under head coach Darryl Sutter. The Flames have already completed one in-season trade to bring in some more offense in Tyler Toffoli, but they are expected to continue trade talks leading up to the March 21 deadline. Let's take a look at two Flames who could be moved to make upgrades before their playoff push:

Juuso Valimaki, LD

The former first-round pick is currently buried in the minors and has only appeared in eight games this season for the big club, registering two assists. The development hasn't been quite as fast as the Flames had hoped when they drafted him with the 16th selection at the 2017 draft, and it could be time for the team to move him while there's still some trade value. His cap hit of $1.55 million for this season and next shouldn't scare teams away and there's likely some interest by the likes of the Arizona Coyotes and Buffalo Sabres. In 81 career NHL games, Valimaki has recorded three goals and 16 points. 

Dustin Wolf, G

With Markstrom signed long term and Daniel Vladar showing he's a capable backup at 24 years old, there's certainly a chance the Flames considering moving their top goalie prospect. Wolf is only 20 years old and while he's a little undersized for the 'modern' goaltenders, he makes up for it with elite quickness. So far in 31 games in the American Hockey League, he's been lights out this season with a 2.31 goals against average and a .924 save percentage. It will take an elite return for the Flames to give up on Wolf. If Claude Giroux ends up in Calgary, expect to see the young netminder heading back to Philly in a huge package.

Photo credit:  Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports