The Calgary Flames are facing an abundance of prospects and future assets this summer, even if general manager Craig Conroy does not use all of the team's picks at the upcoming NHL Draft. Following a mass sell-off of veterans like Rasmus Andersson, Nazem Kadri, and MacKenzie Weegar, the organization's development pipeline is overflowing. The parent club already has more players than active roster spots available.
Consolidating Assets for Young Talent
While the Flames are not yet ready to shift from rebuilding to contending, it may be time to consolidate some of their future capital by trading for young reclamation projects. Conroy could target three young centres with strong pedigrees who have fallen out of favour with their current clubs: Kent Johnson, Mason McTavish, and Shane Wright.
Kent Johnson: High Ceiling, High Risk
Johnson, 23, was selected fifth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2021 after a stellar college career where he scored over a point per game. At 6-foot and 170 pounds, he is known for shifty skating and remarkable vision, but he has struggled to translate those skills consistently to the NHL. His production has been uneven, with seasons of 40 and 57 points punctuated by 16-point (in 42 games) and 22-point (in 72 games) efforts. Johnson has not developed a strong two-way game, and his development appears to have plateaued. With him ranking 14th in team scoring last year, the Blue Jackets may seek an upgrade via trade.
Mason McTavish: Consistent Production, Expensive Contract
McTavish, 23, was a late riser at the 2021 draft, going third overall to the Anaheim Ducks. The 6-foot-2, 212-pound centre offers a mix of size and goal-scoring ability. He has been more consistent than Johnson, scoring at least 40 points and 17 goals in each of his four NHL seasons. However, the Ducks are souring on him due to poor foot speed and lacklustre defensive awareness. He has slid down the rotation under coach Joel Quenneville and was even a healthy scratch during the playoffs. Anaheim faces a salary-cap crunch, and McTavish carries a $7-million per-year cap hit that the team wants to shed. The trade price for McTavish would likely be higher than for Johnson, given his superior production, but his onerous contract could help lower the cost.
Shane Wright: Former Top Prospect in Need of Reboot
Wright, 22, was the fourth overall pick in the 2022 draft by the Seattle Kraken. Once considered a potential first overall pick, his development has stalled. He has bounced between the NHL and AHL, posting modest numbers: 22 points in 74 games over two seasons. The Kraken have a deep prospect pool and may be willing to move Wright for a fresh start. His potential remains high, and the Flames could offer a change of scenery.
These three centres represent intriguing options for Calgary as they look to turn their prospect surplus into established young talent. Each comes with risks, but the Flames have the assets to make a deal.
