Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy hasn’t been shy about his interest in acquiring a centreman, whichever way that may be.
The most probable way of doing so is via trade, though there could also be a name on the waiver wire in the future that catches his eye. Either way, he’s well aware that the organization doesn’t have a ton of prospects down the middle of the ice, and he’s doing what he can to address that issue.
Conroy has also made it clear that any such potential centreman would need to be one that fits their timeline, as the organization is in a retooling stage in the hopes of turning into a true competitor in a few seasons.
That makes things difficult, as teams aren’t often willing to part with young, talented centres, whether they be current NHL players or prospects in the pipeline. That said, however, a few out there may be available for the right offer. Here’s a look at some that would serve as a good fit.
1. Josh Norris (Ottawa Senators)
- 2024-25 stats: 28 GP, 12 G, 7 A, 19 PTS
- Age: 25
- Contract: $7.95 million through 2029-30
The Ottawa Senators are beginning to show signs of life after an ugly start to the season. Prior to their recent resurgence, however, there was chatter that they were looking to make a big move to shake up their core.
Josh Norris’ name was brought up, and from an age perspective, he’s a perfect fit with the Flames. There are injury concerns, but when healthy, he’s a very good NHLer and still has room to grow.
2. Dylan Cozens (Buffalo Sabres)
- 2024-25 stats: 29 GP, 6 G, 7 A, 13 PTS
- Age: 23
- Contract: $7.1 million through 2029-30
The Buffalo Sabres can’t seem to turn things around. They sit 14th in the Eastern Conference with an 11-14-4 record, which could prompt general manager Kevyn Adams to make a trade out of desperation.
Given all the upside, moving Dylan Cozens would be risky, but he has struggled to put up big numbers since his 68-point 2022-23 season. A change in scenery may be all he needs to turn things around, though the Sabres may still be a bit hesitant because of his potential.
3. Trevor Zegras (Anaheim Ducks)
- 2024-25 stats: 24 GP, 4 G, 6 A, 10 PTS
- Age: 23
- Contract: $5.75 million through 2025-26
It seems only a matter of time before the Anaheim Ducks move on from Trevor Zegras. The issue is that his value has dropped tremendously, as he hasn’t meshed whatsoever with head coach Greg Cronin.
Zegras, who has been on the shelf for roughly six weeks with a torn right meniscus, has spent most of his time recently on the wing but does have experience playing down the middle. He will be an RFA once his contract ends in the 2025-26 season.
4. Fraser Minten (Toronto Maple Leafs)
- 2024-25 stats: 9 GP, 2 G, 2 A, 4 PTS
- Age: 20
- Contract: $816,667 through 2026-27
There has been some speculation over the past month that the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in reuniting with Nazem Kadri. The Flames may not be eager to part ways with the savvy veteran, but that could change depending on how interested the Leafs are.
Unless a third team were to jump in on a trade, the Flames would need to retain some of Kadri’s salary due to the Leafs’ cap situation. Would retention be enough for the Leafs – who are gunning for a Stanley Cup – to part ways with the young Fraser Minten? Perhaps not, but there’s no harm in inquiring from the Flames’ point of view.
5. Shane Pinto (Ottawa Senators)
- 2024-25 stats: 21 GP, 3 G, 2 A, 5 PTS
- Age: 24
- Contract: $3.75 million through 2025-26
Another young forward the Senators may consider moving if their struggles pick back up is Shane Pinto. His ceiling isn’t as high as Norris’, but he has the offensive upside to be a top-nine forward for a future contender.
Pinto has gotten off to a rough start this season but may be turning things around following a two-goal performance last night. The 24-year-old scored 20 goals in 2022-23 and managed 27 points in only 41 games a season ago.
6. Marco Rossi (Minnesota Wild)
- 2024-25 stats: 29 GP, 10 G, 14 A, 24 PTS
- Age: 23
- Contract: $863,333 through 2024-25
The Minnesota Wild have reportedly had reservations about giving Marco Rossi a long-term extension due, at least in part, to his 5-foot-9 stature. His strong start to the season may have changed that. If still available, however, he would be an excellent fit for the Flames.
The price on Rossi and others on this list may be too high for the Flames to consider, but his upside is tremendous. The ninth pick from the 2020 draft scored 21 goals as a rookie a season ago and, before that, was nearly a point-per-game player as a 20 and 21-year-old in the AHL.
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