A little on the Calgary Flames…
Pat Steinberg of FlamesNation: Jusso Valimaki’s return shaping the Calgary trade deadline approach is quite plausible. If Valimaki returns to pre-injury form, the Calgary Flames will not have to acquire a top-six defenseman. They can aim lower.
The problem is if things do not go so well. Giving up first round picks for rentals won’t sit well with the management of the Calgary Flames. Second round and beyond sounds less crazy. So a package of prospect/player and a second-round pick may net a third pairing player. Perhaps, that nets a second pairing defenseman.
Wes Gilbertson: David Rittich‘s agent pointing toward the Mikko Koskinen deal should not be surprised. This becomes a different situation than with Koskinen and Edmonton.
- Rittich showed he can handle the goaltending spot but is he truly a starter or more of a “1A” as far as ceiling. The Calgary Flames deciding that will go a long way in what they offer.
Dallas searching for a top-six forward…
Matthew DeFranks of Dallas SportsDay: The Dallas Stars don’t appear to be close to acquiring a top-six forward. Looking toward players with expiring contracts cost a high draft pick (1st round) and a prospect at minimum. Mark Stone and Matt Duchene would be big trades but what if Artemi Panarin becomes available? Several other forwards could entice Nill to make a deal. Acting quickly to get on the right side of the playoff bubble is beneficial.
Pacific specific trade deadline talk…one player to go…
Jonathan Willis of The Athletic: Pacific teams approaching the deadline have certain players that may wind up switching addresses. Matthew Benning appears to be a candidate for Edmonton while Vegas may stand pat barring a depth move. Arizona has been looking at Richard Panik and Alex Goligoski as possible assets to sell off. Calgary could consider moving Michael Frolik before the trade deadline. San Jose might consider trading Kevin Labanc but that’s a depth move.
Alexander Edler seems the most likely to be traded from Vancouver. Jakob Silfverberg injured right now may not be moved by Anaheim after all. Then there is Los Angeles. No one wants to see Jake Muzzin moved but his contract dictates a move. His appeal and potential return may be too hard for Los Angeles to pass up.