The Flames are talking to Patrik Laine, and after the start they've had, Calgary is clearly looking anywhere it can for goals.
Frank Seravalli reported that Laine isn't the only unsigned forward in conversation with the Flames. Vladimir Tarasenko, David Perron, James van Riemsdyk and Jonathan Drouin are all still available.
The need is obvious. Calgary is 0-3-0 and has scored just three goals all season.
That's one goal per game, with losses of 6-1 to Seattle twice and 4-1 in Vancouver. No team wins much in this league scoring that little.
Jason Gregor already predicted this group won't reach 200 goals. A free-agent scorer would at least give the offence a fighting chance.
Laine is the headline name. Even a short-term deal would bring a shooter into a lineup desperate for one.
Craig Conroy weighs a short-term fix for a long-term rebuild
The rest of the list brings experience. Tarasenko, Perron, van Riemsdyk and Drouin are all veterans who could slot into a top-nine role right away.
None of them changes Calgary's long-term direction. The Flames are still expected to sell off players like Morgan Frost, Ryan Strome and Zach Whitecloud.
That's the balance Craig Conroy has to strike. Signing a veteran now could help the young core, or simply create one more trade chip by the deadline.
Laine on a one-year deal is the right move. Calgary gets a shooter today and a possible asset to flip in February, without blocking a single prospect.
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It's like adding hot sauce to a bland meal. It won't fix the recipe, but dinner gets a lot more interesting.
Ryan Huska's group hosts Colorado tonight, against an Avalanche team that has scored 14 goals in two games.
The Flames need goals from somewhere. If none of the kids find them soon, a free agent might be the only one who can.
Should the Flames sign Patrik Laine?
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