What’s the latest on the Flames? Could a potential move to Utah turn the Coyotes into offseason buyers? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

LATEST ON THE FLAMES

THE ATHLETIC: Julian McKenzie replied to several questions from his readers regarding the Flames’ offseason plans.

McKenzie will be surprised if Jacob Markstrom returns next season, partly because of how things played out with trade speculation and partly due to where the Flames are compared to contending teams.

The New Jersey Devils won’t be the only team interested in Markstrom. McKenzie suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs could be a suitor if Ilya Samsonov doesn’t pan out. The Los Angeles Kings and Detroit Red Wings could seek upgrades between the pipes.

Calgary Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom (NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’ll also be surprised if Markstrom isn’t traded this summer. The Devils were reportedly close to acquiring him in February before the deal fell through and it’s expected they’ll try again this summer.

McKenzie noted that Markstrom has the final say because of his no-movement clause. His $6 million average annual value could also be a potential sticking point.

The Flames won’t be primary suitors for a first-line center unless one becomes available and their offer rises above the rest. This summer’s free-agent class contains former Flames’ Elias Lindholm and Sean Monahan but McKenzie doesn’t expect either player will return to Calgary.

Instead, the Flames could package some of the draft capital to acquire a young player who can help their roster. He suggested looking at players who might benefit from a change of scenery like Winnipeg’s Cole Perfetti or Philadelphia’s Morgan Frost.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McKenzie noted that Flames general manager Craig Conroy wants to add a veteran or two but also wants his team to be competitive next season. Given how well his acquisition of Yegor Sharangovich worked out, I suspect he’ll focus on players in their mid-twenties who can help his club next season and beyond.

COULD THE COYOTES BECOME BUYERS THIS SUMMER?

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman speculated that the Arizona Coyotes could become aggressive buyers this summer if they move to Utah.

The NHL is negotiating with Coyotes owner Anthony Meruelo and Ryan Smith, owner of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, to relocate the franchise to Salt Lake City.

If the team does move, Smith could be motivated to make Salt Lake City a strong hockey destination. “Ryan Smith is not going to bring a team to Utah that’s going to be underfunded and playing with one hand tied behind its back,” said Friedman.

The Coyotes have considerable cap space for next season and beyond to invest in free agency and the trade market.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Coyotes currently have a projected cap space of $41.2 million for 2024-25 with 13 active roster players under contract. They’ll have plenty of room to acquire established talent this summer if they wish to go that route. The Coyotes also have a well-stocked prospect pipeline and a deep pool of draft picks to use as trade bait.