On the Calgary Flames …
- Eric Francis: When asked if he’d like to return next year, pending UFA Karri Ramo said:”It’s not a bad option.” It doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement, but can you really blame him?
- Aaron Vickers of NHL.com: GM Brad Treliving yesterday on the trade deadline.
“There are teams in good shape right now, and you get a sense of what they may be looking at, but in terms of us and placing us in buying or selling mode … if we can help ourselves today at a cost that makes sense, perfect.
“If not, we’re not interested in that. If we can help ourselves moving forward, with futures, picks, prospects, people that we think can fill holes for us moving forward, we have lots of interest in that.”
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“You always want to help your team, but your team gives you a bit of direction on where you go,” Treliving said. “That being said, our plan and our vision here has and will be the long-term view, so I don’t necessarily believe that we’re in a position to be sending out young players, prospects, future assets for something short-term.
“But you’re always taking a key off of your team in terms of where you sit in the standings. They give you a good indication of where you should go at the deadline.”
Among the Flames that they are believed to be considering moving include Jiri Hudler, David Jones and Kris Russell.
“Lots of talk and lies and all of that sort of stuff,” Treliving said. “It’s still a ways away from the deadline, so people are still getting an idea. You’re seeing such tight bunching in the standings, so people are deciding which way they’re going to go here. But we’re in communication with everybody and we have a good sense a couple weeks out of where and what teams may be looking for.”
Scouting the Calgary Flames and Minnesota Wild game …
- Will Nault: Scouts listed for the Flames – Wild game: Stars (2), Blackhawks (2), Bruins (2), Canadiens, Sabres, Panthers, Coyotes, Devils, Maple Leafs, Red Wings and Rangers.
- L.A. Lariviere: The Canadiens director of pro scouting scouting, Vaugh Karpan was at the Flames – Wild game.