Flames set firm asking price for Chris Tanev trade.

The Calgary Flames are prepared to part ways with defenseman Chris Tanev, but any Stanley Cup contender hoping to acquire the veteran blue liner on the cheap will have to look elsewhere.

On Monday, National Hockey League insider Elliotte Friedman shared an update on the rumors surrounding Tanev as we approach the NHL trade deadline. Friedman shared insight into what Flames general manager Craig Conroy was hoping to get in return for Tanev, and it seems Conroy has set a very high asking price.

"When it comes to Tanev I think the Flames are waiting until a first round pick gets offered," revealed Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. "I think that's what they are waiting for and if a team steps up with a first rounder I could see it happening."

Friedman also indicated that there are a large number of teams with interest in acquiring Tanev ahead of the trade deadline, increasing the likelihood that Conroy and the Flames could get what they are asking for.

"I think there's a pretty big group there," said Friedman. "It's Toronto, it's Dallas, I think Colorado is in there, Edmonton and Vancouver."

Of the team's that Friedman listed it would appear that he believes the Maple Leafs to be the least likely destination among his list of contenders, due to the team's lack of assets.

"Toronto I think is offering multiple picks but none of them a first, and their first second available isn't for four years," said Friedman. "So that's a challenge."

Will any of the other four teams mentioned buckle and give up a 1st rounder for a rental in Tanev? Only time will tell.

Would you?