Rumor: Flames and Canucks talking trade

Sportsnet reporter and NHL insider Elliotte Friedman made an appearance on Calgary’s Sportsnet 960 radio earlier this week where he broke down all of the potential trade scenarios for the suddenly struggling Calgary Flames.

There are a lot of names out there that may entice Flames GM Brad Treliving including Ottawa Senators sniper Mike Hoffman, Buffalo Sabres power forward Evander Kane and Montreal Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty. The problem? Those players aren’t likely to be had for cheap. The Flames would likely have to pony up a package of picks and prospects to score either of the two proven goal scorers. Of course, the Flames are thin on picks as it is. So, who else is available?

“I’ll tell you: one guy, at some point – Thomas Vanek had five points last night. And I know he’s a really frustrating player. He’s been around and you know what you’re getting when you get him. I’m not sure that he’s the kind of guy that you’d say, ‘Okay, does that solve our problem.’ But he’s not going to cost you as much a Hoffman would or a Pacioretty would.”

Vanek? The old guy on the Vancouver Canucks? It’s not as crazy as it sounds. The 33-year old winger has 12 goals and 28 points in 39 games with the Canucks so far this season and is signed to a cheap $2 million deal that expires this offseason. If the Flames, or any team for that matter, is looking for a cheap scoring option at this year’s trade deadline, Vanek could be a key pick up. Stay tuned.