On the Calgary Flames …
- James Mirtle: The Flames are looking for a second round pick for Jiri Hudler.
- Eric Francis: If Roman Polak is worth a 2nd round pick, Kris Russell is worth a 1st.
- Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald: List of Flames untouchables: Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan, Sam Bennett, TJ Brodie and Mark Giordano.
- Mark Spector of Sportsnet: Don’t rule out the Flames trading Dennis Wideman, especially if the Flames retained some salary. Wideman could be useful in Toronto or Edmonton next season, then becoming a trade chip for that team at next years deadline.
- Eric Francis of Sportsnet: The Kings would be the ideal fit for Russell. They are one of more than 12 teams that are interested.The Penguins are also a serious contender, with the Flames liking goalie Matt Murray.
The Lightning could use some power-play help, with maybe Jonathan Drouin coming back in a deal.
The Flames and Kris Russell are about a $1.5 million a season apart on a deal. Russell could get something close to six-years and $33 million – similar to Jeff Petry and Andrej Sekera deals from last offseason.
“I want to be a Calgary Flame – I’ve said that,” said Russell Thursday.“But sometimes you don’t get what you want.”
- Torie Peterson of CalgaryFlames.com: Flames defenseman Kris Russell knows his name keeps coming up in trade rumors as the deadline approaches.
“I don’t’ get involved in that,” he said after Thursday’s practice at the Scotiabank Saddledome. “I don’t read what’s going on. Obviously my name is coming up. I want to be a Calgary Flame, I’ve said that. But sometimes you don’t get what you want. I’m just looking forward to getting back and helping this team as much as I can until I hear differently.
“I try to block it out the best I can. Obviously it sneaks in there a bit. I’m just trying to go about my business and help this team.”