Panthers and Flames Linked to Blockbuster Trade

The Calgary Flames continue to be a team to watch on the NHL's sellers market, even though ownership continues to push GM Craig Conroy to either get the best deal, or keep some of his core in Calgary. It's a fragile situation in Calgary, as the organization doesn't want to be a bottom-feeder team when they open a new rink in a couple of years.

Regardless, trade talks are heating up around the Flames, as Nazem Kadri continues to be target #1, with several contending teams looking to add the veteran center. While the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Colorado Avalanche have been named three likely destinations, one team has come out of nowhere lately, and that's the Florida Panthers.

Hockey insider David Pagnotta was recently a guest on The Sheet with Jeff Marek, and brought up the Panthers as a team to watch. 

David Pagnotta: Re Nazem Kadri: A couple teams I look at there...we talked about Montreal before, the other team I started hearing about recently...Florida - The Sheet (11/29)

While Aleksandar Barkov may be on the shelve currently, the Panthers are expecting him back for the playoffs, so money will be an issue here. The Panthers currently have $1.6 million in cap space, meanwhile Kadri is owed $7 million AAV for the next three seasons.

As far as trade candidates go for the Panthers, the Flames will want Anton Lundell, but don't expect to see the Panthers bite there. Instead, they could be open to moving Eetu Luostarinen, Mackie Samoskevich, and their two second-round picks at next year's draft.

This trade would be complicated, and it's one that don't be surprised if another team got involved to take on some of Kadri's remaining money.

But, as we've seen over the years, if there's a big fish available, the Panthers will do whatever they need to do to make a splash.

Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images