The Calgary Flames have announced the completion of two trades which happened earlier this morning. After several days of working the phones, general manager Kieran Thomas managed to pull the trigger on two deals. The trades however saw some youth leave the Flames in return for more experienced forwards and defenseman.
"We have decided that rebuilding now would not help our team. Jarome Iginla is the focal point of this franchise, and hes entering his prime now. The future of this franchise is still important, but we need players who can play with Iginla while hes still in his prime, and not players projected to make an impact in several years time. We had a taste of the Stanley Cup finals and we are going to make sure this team can reach the promised land within the next few seasons." said Thomas.
The first trade saw Brennan Evans, a young free agent defenseman the Flames signed, and an 8th round pick in this years draft go to the Edmonton Oilers in return of veteran defenseman Igor Ulanov.
"The trade has a minor impact on our future, but brought in a veteran defensive defenseman who can replace Denis Gauthier while Phaneuf is being groomed for NHL action. His 3 year contract at $600,000 is reasonable and fits this teams budget" noted Thomas.
Igor Ulanov will most likely see third pairing ice time with either Toni Lydman or Andrew Ference. His defensive game should complement either of these puck moving defenseman, and give them a bit of mentoring.
The Calgary Flames then addressed their biggest need with their following trade. The Flames lack secondary scoring, most players being hard working, gritty fast skaters with a limited offensive side. To address this problem, Thomas brought in Scott Walker, a gritty offensive right wing who can lead the second line and support Iginla in the scoring role. The terms of the trade have been said to be Calgary's first round selection in this years draft, Carolina's 4th round selection in this years draft, young winger Chuck Kobasew and prospect Eric Nystrom. In return, Calgary received Scott Walker, defensive stalwart Mark Eaton and prospect Shae Weber.
"I was forced to pay a little more than I had hoped for that scoring line winger, but Scott Walker is a perfect fit for our style of play. Our professional scouts have nothing but nice things to say about Mark Eaton, while Shae Weber has developed very well since last years entry draft. We were ready to deal our first round pick this season, not liking any of the players most likely to fall between 19 and 30. Chuck Kobasew was the hardest part of the deal to move, but we get a great upgrade. explained Thomas.
The Flames have had trouble signing Nystrom to a contract, Nystrom wanting to finish College before heading over to the NHL, where he would need a season or two in the AHL before being ready for NHL action. This reason could explain the Flames trading one of their few offensive prospects.
After the two trades today, the Calgary Flames have a log jam on defense. Their defensman include Robyn Regehr, Jordan Leopold, Rhett Warrener, Andrew Ference, Denis Gauthier, Toni Lydman, Mark Eaton, Igor Ulanov, Steve Montador and Mike Commodore who are all NHL ready. They also have Dion Phaneuf, Shae Weber and Tim Ramholt as promising young defenseman.
The Flames are said to be interested in moving the glut on defense to address the 1st line LW or 2nd line C spot, and add a few offensive prospects. Martin Gelinas and Dean McAmmond are still available as well on top of the many defenseman Calgary could move.