Why do people think that the flames want hickey?

Don't think it's primarily the Flames wanting him but to trade Hickey home to be with his family given what happened a few months ago.

Doesn’t mean the flames want a $2.5 mill player who can’t crack the roster on the isles

The Isles are log jammed on LD with nowhere for Hickey to go. He is still an NHL defenseman IMO. And the Hickey trades are coming from both sides

I did an AGM where I traded Hanifin for something (IIRC) and then traded Janko for Hickey as veteran insurance on left side D with a couple of younger guys slotted in behind Gio. I'm pretty sure that's where this idea started. He's still pretty good just had some time off for personal reasons.

If the Flames added a top 4 RHD, and then traded Hanifin, I would certainly be fine with Hickey as the vet insurance for Valimaki and Mackey on the left side.

Flames are also logjammed at LD with gio, Hanifin, valimaki, Mackey and kylington who are all better than hickey

Why not just keep

Giordano - Brodie
Hanifin - Andersson

And add Hickey for vet depth?

Brodie is probably going to test the UFA market, but if the Flames did sign him they're looking at a minimum of $5 million AAV. There would not be enough cap space to have a bottom pairing Dman making $2.5 million then. Plus, the Flames are really high on Valimaki. With Gio and Hanifin on the left side there is only one more spot for Valimaki and newly signed Mackey to fight for, both will be pushing hard for that spot immediately.

And kylington

Barring injuries Valimaki is a shoe in and will actually be pushing for top four minutes by the end on next season.

Yep, and many believe Mackey is not long for the AHL etiher.

That's why I'd honestly be fine trading Hanifin for a top 6 RW or C if possible, and then bringing in a guy like Hickey (could be had for very little) to eat some minutes on the left side while Valimaki, Kylington and Mackey gain a footing, and also go hunting for a veteran RHD like Vatanen, Barrie or even bring Brodie back who plays RHD as a LHS.