The Calgary Flames are sitting at the bottom of the Pacific Division with two wins and eight losses. As the Flames struggle through what appears to be an irredeemable season, the community is abuzz with trade rumors surrounding key players on the roster, particularly Rasmus Andersson and center Nazem Kadri.
Toronto Maple Leafs fans were eager to pull Kadri back in their lineup, and there are other possible destinations. After all, trade rumors surrounding the veteran center are nothing new, but it is a more likely scenario given how disappointing this season is turning out to be for the Flames. However, the team’s owners’ response to the pressing issue has left Calgary fans frustrated, to put it mildly.
Fans Express Bitter Disapproval of the Calgary Flames’ Handling of the Nazem Kadri Issue
Flames started the season on a high note, dealing a loss to division rivals, the Edmonton Oilers. But what followed was nothing short of a disaster. A string of losses that was punctuated by a single win against the New York Rangers on October 26, but the happiness was short-lived as two more losses against the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators followed.
By this time, the team should be mentally and physically exhausted, yet have a long season ahead of them. According to Pierre LeBrun, it is not guaranteed that the Flames’ ownership will be on board with Kadri’s trade if such a proposal is made to them by GM Craig Conroy.
LeBrun stated that the ownership is still willing “to stay in the fight”. That is all the fans needed to hear before raiding the comment sections, all riled up and frustrated.
“The only fight we’re staying in is for last place. Trade Kadri, Anderson and Coleman,” stated a snarky fan, before advocating for the trade of Kadri, Andersson, and Blake Coleman. Another fan dragged the owners, saying that the Flames’ biggest hurdle is the franchise’s top bosses. “Ownership cannot get out of the way of actual progress. The biggest problem the Flames have is right at the very top.”
A social media user drew upon the comment that the Flames’ ownership would like to stay in the fight, before wondering if the team wanted to improve its ranking by one spot. “lol what fight? For second to last?”
Another fan hastily dismissed LeBrun’s credibility, alleging that perhaps the insider never had a real conversation with the Flames ownership on the subject and is simply drawing upon records. “There’s no way LeBrun basing this opinion on anything but past track record. “Stay in the fight.” Bruh, they’re already out of the fight. How stupid do you have to be to not see the financial reward that comes with drafting a high-end player?”
It is evident that the situation in Calgary has reached a tipping point, and discontent among fans is widespread. Any step the management takes next needs to be weighed adequately if it wants to avoid further backlash from the fanbase.