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The Calgary Flames are six points out of a playoff spot and have played three more games than the team they’re chasing.
While everyone is still talking playoffs publicly, the reality is they’re not much more than a pipe dream (
Dom Luszczyszyn’s projections give the Flames a 5% chance of qualifying).
Accepting as much, Flames GM Brad Treliving has started to sell off what parts he does have.
The first move was dealing David Rittich, aka Big Save Dave, to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a 3rd round pick in 2022.
There is uncertainty hanging over Frederik Andersen’s injury status, and Jack Campbell’s been banged up all year, so the Leafs are clearly chasing insurance here.
Rittich can be streaky but he does have the ability to steal games on occasion. He figures to slot in as the 1A behind Campbell, who has been nothing short of spectacular this season.
For the Flames, this was a no brainer. Rittich has been used pretty sparingly this season. Jacob Markstrom, for better or for worse, is the No. 1 for a long time coming and the Flames will no doubt be riding him as they try and crawl back into the race.
It didn’t make sense to hang onto Rittich so that he can start a few more games and walk away from the team in free agency.
Instead, they pick up a 3rd round pick to further stock the cupboards in the coming years. With that pick in the mix, the Flames now possess a 1st, 2nd, and two 3rds in each of the next two drafts.
Now that Rittich is gone, the attention can turn to remaining expirings like Derek Ryan, Josh Leivo, Joakim Nordstrom and, perhaps, Sam Bennett (RFA).
Beyond that, it’s worth noting the Flames can retain salary on two more trades; be it involving their own players, or facilitating as a 3rd party.
Just something to watch for as we quickly approach the deadline.
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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