Flames are red hot, and so is the NHL trade market for goalies

While the Calgary Flames are hot heading into Tuesday’s game against the Sharks, the Chicago Blackhawks are the complete opposite. The ice-cold Blackhawks are going nowhere this year and after trading for a  Vezina-winning goalie who will be a UFA, the speculation begins. Many are already suggesting Marc-Andre Fleury will be on the NHL trade block if he isn’t already. The Dallas Stars could dangle Braden Holtby, if not Anton Khudobin.

One reason the Flames have been so good this season is the play of their depth forwards, like Milan Lucic. The big winger is enjoying every moment. 

On another note, it’s sad to see the sentiments from Michael Frolik about the way the Montreal Canadiens killed his NHL career. He was such a huge part of Matthew Tkachuk’s impressive start in the league on the 3M line. Yahoo has the Frolik story from a translated interview.

NHL Trade Rumours and League News

Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars are about to have three healthy, NHL quality goalies, but they are not about to have enough salary-cap space. Ben Bishop has been practicing, and Braden Holtby has been lights out. So, cue those NHL trade rumors.

The Athletic: Scott Powers firmly speculated that the disaster in Chicago most likely means Marc-Andre Fleury will also be available. 

Pittsburgh: The Penguins defense has not been very good without Brian Dumoulin, Marcus Pettersson, and Chad Ruhewdel. Our Pittsburgh people say there is a defenseman on the trade block who could help.

San Jose: Should the San Jose Sharks have matched the offer for Jack Eichel? 

Hockey News: Valeri Nichushkin has until the 16th to respond to charges of doping in 2013 in Russia. He might not be able to play in the Olympics if found “guilty.”

Oh, Canada…

Montreal: The Montreal Canadiens are off to their worst start since the 1940s. No joke. But at least for one day, the story wasn’t about the copious amounts of suckitude, but it is now about welcoming back Carey Price. 

Toronto: The Maple Leafs won five in a row but as Calgary Flames head coach Darryl Sutter often says, it’s about how they’re playing and not necessarily the result. On Monday night, the LA Kings took the Leafs to the woodshed, 5-1, and worries started again.

Vancouver: Former Calgary Flames defenceman Travis Hamonic took a puck to the face and may not have as pretty a smile, but that’s not why he won’t be at the team’s next road game.

National Hockey Now

Vegas: Owen Krepps lays out the Vegas Golden Knights lines when Jack Eichel is healthy. With and without trades. Vegas is gonna be GOOD.

Boston: Guess who was working out in Boston before the Bruins practice on Monday? Yep, Tuukka Rask. The worst-kept secret in the league is that he’ll eventually re-sign with the Bruins.

Washinton: Alex Ovechkin is on a tear. He finally tied Brett Hull for fourth all-time and powered the Washington Capitals again. Ovechkin is on a mission from God…

At this rate, Ovechkin could get close to 800 by the end of this season.

Florida: The streak is over. The Florida Panthers’ undefeated-in-regulation run came to an end at the unlikely hands of the New York Rangers, who have been pounded twice by the Calgary Flames this season.

Colorado: The drumbeat in the fanbase is to sweep head coach Jared Bednar to the curb. As Terry Frei writes…aww, give it a rest!