“A player of Tarasenko’s caliber would complement Leon well and would have the added benefit of pushing other players down the lineup. Leon requires a savvy winger who can anticipate his moves and create opportunities, which would also enhance Kane’s performance, given his straightforward style of play.”
The absence of defenseman Chris Tanev suggests that perhaps Calgary’s owner, Murray Edwards, intervened, unwilling to send a valuable player to their rival, the Edmonton Oilers, especially considering the possibility of Tanev winning the Stanley Cup with them.
Alternatively, it’s possible that Conroy received a more appealing offer from Dallas, Edmonton, or Toronto.
From an outsider’s perspective, the Flames traded Tanev to the Stars for a second-round draft pick in June and a promising Stars prospect, defenseman Artyom Grushnikov, who excels in defensive play and is currently in his first professional year in the AHL.
Calgary did not acquire forwards Logan Stankoven or Mavrik Bourque or defenseman Lian Bischel from Dallas, despite their status as top AHL prospects. The Flames’ scouts valued Grushnikov higher than these players.
Calgary acquired offensive defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz in the Lindholm deal and already has offensive prospect Jeremie Poirier, indicating a need for a pure defender in their pipeline.
It’s likely that the Oilers would have offered a second-round pick and 20-year-old Max Wanner, a right-shot prospect similar to Grushnikov in his first AHL season in Bakersfield, for Tanev.
Despite the perceived value of Wanner, who was a seventh-round pick, the Flames effectively received two second-round picks for Tanev, considering Grushnikov’s draft status. Tanev could potentially partner with Miro Heiskanen or Esa Lindell in Dallas.
Tanev, the Oilers’ primary target at the trade deadline, will not be joining them.
The Oilers’ next moves are uncertain, with GM Ken Holland exploring various options. While a major acquisition like Mattias Ekholm might not be feasible, Holland would settle for impactful additions, such as a right winger for Leon Draisaitl or additional defensive depth.
Holland prioritizes big defensemen, believing in their effectiveness in the playoffs, citing examples from recent champions like the Tampa Bay Lightning and Vegas Golden Knights.
While smaller defensemen like Sean Walker, Alex Carrier, and Matt Dumba are considered potential trade targets for the Oilers, Holland may shift focus towards acquiring a heavier right winger for Draisaitl, possibly targeting Vladimir Tarasenko with financial considerations.
Alternatively, they might explore trades for experienced defensemen like Zach Bogosian or Joel Edmundson, both unrestricted free agents with Stanley Cup experience, to bolster their defensive lineup, especially if they retain Cody Ceci.
According to draft expert Craig Button, small defensemen must excel to contribute significantly to a championship-winning team, citing historical examples like Brian Rafalski’s tenure with the Detroit Red Wings.