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NHL Trade Rumors: Calgary Flames have permission to discuss extension with Ben Bishop

By Dave Stevenson

Apr 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period of the game two of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period of the game two of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Calgary Flames have received permission from the Tampa Bay Lightning to discuss an extension with potential trade target and 2015-16 Vezina Trophy Finalist Ben Bishop.

Goaltending is a premium position in the NHL. No team needs goaltending more than the Calgary Flames, who got terrible goaltending during the 2015-16 season and only have one goalie under contract for the 2015-16 season. Due to the emergence of Andrei Vasilevskiy, the Lightning are open to trading 2015-16 Vezina Trophy finalist Ben Bishop. The Flames have received permission from the Lightning to discuss an extension with Bishop.

It’s likely that Calgary wants some form of an agreement that Bishop will sign an extension with the team before they trade for him since Bishop is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2016-17 season. Bishop would fill the Flames’ need for a goaltender for the foreseeable future. His availability has more to do with the Lightning wanting to keep forwards Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos then Bishop’s performance.

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Vasilevskiy is much cheaper than Bishop, which might be influencing why Bishop is available. Tampa Bay thinks very highly of Vasilevskiy, their 2012 first round pick. Vasilevskiy carried the Lightning during the 2015-16 Eastern Conference Finals once Bishop got injured.

With other goaltenders on the market, the Flames will be able to pick from a variety of options. However, without question the best and most proven option for them is Bishop. The two-time Vezina Trophy finalist could make them an immediate playoff team for the 2016-17 season.

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