Calgary Flames a Team to Watch at NHL Draft
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It's often tough to find true trade partners at the NHL draft, but if any team has the desire and capital to make some big moves, it's the Calgary Flames.
The Flames have six picks in the first three rounds, and GM Craig Conroy said ahead of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft that teams seem more open in talks about trading up or down with such a disparity in rankings from team to team.
"It'll be interesting, for sure. I think you’ll see more movement," Conroy told reporters ahead of the draft on Thursday, per Flames TV.
"It usually happens on the day of the draft where you see what’s coming as the picks go, and then you make the move. There have already been two, so it will be interesting to see how it is (Friday)."
Their master list of about 50 players is set, and they'll be checking names off as they fall. The concept of adding young talent with NHL experience through a deal is one Conroy has talked about, too.
In short, anything is possible. There are a large number of higher-end defencemen at the top of the prospect pool. One of the Flames' favoured options should be available when they pick at ninth overall but Conroy said it's a best-player-available approach. They could use a centre as well, but there's intrigue there if forward Tij Iginla is still on the board and the Flames have him at the top of their list at that point.
The Calgary Flames also have the 28th pick in the first round and would be more likely to move up from that if one of their targets drops.