When the Calgary Flames shipped veteran center Nazem Kadri back to the Colorado Avalanche at the NHL trade deadline, it signaled a massive, definitive stride in their ongoing rebuild. But clearing out that massive cap hit created an equally massive void down the middle of the ice.
According to NHL insider David Pagnotta on the DFO Rundown, the Flames are actively looking to address this glaring hole at the center position this offseason. But the real shocker? The cost to acquire that younger, long-term franchise pivot might just be one of their current top-six forwards: Morgan Frost.
Pagnotta recently stated, “What I’m hearing is, would they move Morgan Frost in a larger type deal in order to try and address the center position more long-term? In terms of bringing in someone a little bit younger, who could be there a little bit longer. So that’s something I would keep tabs on.”
If you are a Flames fan, this immediately makes you sit up and pay attention. Let’s break down exactly why moving Frost makes sense from an asset-management perspective and where he might end up.
Why a Morgan Frost Trade Makes Sense for the Calgary Flames Rebuild
From an insider’s perspective, this rumor carries a lot of weight. Morgan Frost is about to turn 27. In the NHL, that means you are stepping out of your “potential” years and firmly into your prime. As a seven-year veteran, Frost has likely reached the zenith of what he can do at the NHL level.
To his credit, this past season with the Calgary Flames was excellent. Playing middle-six minutes (averaging 15:30 of ice time per night), Frost notched a career-high 22 goals and 43 points. He was reliable, highly skilled, and provided necessary secondary scoring. But with only one year remaining on his contract at a highly digestible $4.375 million cap hit, his trade value will arguably never be higher than it is right now. General Manager Craig Conroy knows that if the Flames are building for a window three to four years down the road, cashing in on Frost’s peak value today to acquire a 22- or 23-year-old center is brilliant asset management.
Morgan Frost Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 392 | 75 | 115 | 190 | -55 |
| Playoffs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Potential Morgan Frost Trade Destinations: Jets, Devils, and Blues
So, who is picking up the phone? If the Calgary Flames are actively shopping Morgan Frost, the most realistic destinations are teams pushing for contention that need a second- or third-line scoring pivot.
The Winnipeg Jets, New Jersey Devils, and St. Louis Blues stand out as the cleanest fits. The Jets have desperately needed center depth for years. The Devils are looking to insulate Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier with reliable two-way veterans, and the Blues are currently retooling their forward group and have the younger prospects Calgary desires. If a deal goes down, watch these three franchises closely.
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The post Calgary Flames Trade Rumors: Will Morgan Frost Be Moved? appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
