As the Calgary Flames face dwindling playoff hopes, the team’s president, Don Maloney, expressed reluctance to trade veteran center Nazem Kadri. At 35, Kadri is viewed as essential for the Flames’ culture and leadership, with Maloney emphasizing, “We need more Kadris, not less.”
Flames’ Commitment to Playoff Aspirations
In a recent interview, Maloney pushed back against the idea of a total rebuild, stating that the franchise is committed to remaining competitive. He expressed optimism about the team’s current trajectory and rejected the notion of drafting in the top three, declaring, “We don’t want to go into the season saying, ‘We want to draft in the top five.’”
Focus on Team Development
- Veteran Presence: Kadri’s influence is seen as crucial for instilling a winning attitude.
- Coach’s Confidence: Maloney provided support for head coach Ryan Huska, stating he believes in the coach’s abilities to improve team performance.
- Player Evaluations: The Flames are closely monitoring the development of younger players like Matvei Gridin and Zayne Parekh, emphasizing patience in their progress.
Maloney highlighted that both Gridin and Parekh are showing promise in their respective roles, with Gridin emerging as a leading scorer in the AHL. The Flames aim to ensure that young talents are adequately prepared before making their NHL debuts, avoiding the pitfalls of rushing them into the league.
Future Considerations
On the topic of other players, Maloney indicated that discussions regarding defenseman Rasmus Andersson remain ongoing but expressed confidence in his desire to stay with the team. The organization is hoping to reach a favorable resolution regarding his future.
Strategic Retooling Over Rebuilding
Maloney referred to the current phase as a “retooling,” initiated two years ago with significant player trades. This strategic shift marks a new approach for the team, aiming for sustained competitiveness while nurturing emerging talents.
Overall, the Flames’ leadership is focused on creating a strong competitive environment, maintaining a balance between immediate success and long-term development. The organization is poised to continue evaluating its roster to achieve its goals for the season and beyond.
