The Flames are expected to trade up for the former No. 2 overall pick in this blockbuster contest

The Calgary Flames were one of the biggest surprises at the start of the season. They started the year with wins in their first four games and five of their first six. They’ve cooled off since then, but still have a record of 15-11-5 and are just one point out of the playoffs.

The New York Rangers are looking to move a former second overall draft pick, and Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News lists Calgary as a potential landing spot.

Kaapo Kakko was settled with the second overall pick in 2019, but could become a trade loss as the Rangers (3-9 in their last 12 games) are in free fall looking to shake up their roster and salvage their season.

Why it would work

Calgary has had good redevelopment projects in recent years. They converted former bottom-six striker Yegor Sharangovich into a 30-goal goalscorer. Depth defenseman Kevin Bahl posted the highest point total of his career in just 31 games with the Flames this season. Daniil Miromanov – previously an NHL edge defender – has become an integral part of Calgary’s blueline.

With that track record, it’s entirely possible that Calgary could get more out of Kakko than the Rangers. Kakko could thrive in a low-pressure environment, free from the expectations he had in New York.

Why it wouldn’t work

Well, Calgary doesn’t need any more center forwards. Most of their squad consists of middle six forwards. They don’t exactly have room for another one.

That’s really the only negative I can see. I can’t think of any other reason why Calgary shouldn’t buy cheap from Kakko.

How much would it cost?

Probably not much. The Rangers would probably want a roster player back, but unless Kakko is part of a larger deal, that’s not particularly likely. With 131 points in 329 career games and a career-high 40 points in a season, Kakko has so far failed to live up to his draft position. Therefore, his value is not as high as New York would probably like him to be.