NHL Trade Talk – Should Flames be in on Beauvillier?

The Calgary Flames may still be in search of scoring on the right side after losing Matthew Tkachuk this summer.

But does Anthony Beauvillier fit the bill?

NYI Hockey Now colleague Stefen Rosner reported in early August that the 25-year-old is being dangled to free up the cap space needed to make a Nazem Kadri deal official. Word has it the Montreal Canadiens are one of many interested in the Quebec product’s services.

The Calgary Flames, however tempted, are likely better off looking elsewhere or sticking with their internal candidates to play bigger roles this season.

We wrote about Dillon Dube’s strong finish last year and his potential to suit up alongside Jonathan Huberdeau and Elias Lindholm in what most believe will the two thirds of the team’s top trio.

With 18 goals last year and another full season before Dube turns 25, he provides potential and value at a $2.3 million AAV for another two seasons.

Andrew Mangiapane, who scored 35 goals last season, could anchor a solid second line or get some looks with the team’s top setup man himself after signing a three-year deal worth $17.4M this summer.

Of course, one of Calgary Flames head coach Darryl Sutter’s favourites is also ready to make a strong second first impression. The team gave up a first-round pick plus for Tyler Toffoli in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens last season.

He started out strong with eight goals in his first 13 games with the Flames. But he fizzled down the stretch and in the playoffs. Toffoli scored just three more over his final 24 regular-season games. The playoffs were especially cruel as he had great chances but was stymied repeatedly by Dallas Stars stud Jake Oettinger in the first round and couldn’t generate much in the way of chances against the Edmonton Oilers in the second.

The former 30-goal guy hasn’t hit that high mark since 2015-16 but was on pace for more than 40 over a full campaign two seasons ago with the Canadiens when the schedule limited him to 52 games.

Beauvillier’s first-round draft status and flashes of potential have made him a popular tire kick for teams that think they might get the best out of him with a fresh start. Think Sam Bennett.

The Calgary Flames just have better options with more value at this point.

That includes prospects like Jakub Pelletier and Matthew Phillips, who have done great things at the AHL level and are looking to make the jump to the NHL sooner than later.