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The Calgary Flames have acquired 23 year old Joe Colborne from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a 4th round draft pick in the 2014 draft.
The Leafs who were trying to move cap space in the likes of JM Liles appear to have had no real interest over the past few weeks and have decided, as an alternative, to move the 6’5, 220lbs centerman originally acquired from the Boston Bruins. Also, the Leafs have now placed Liles on waivers.
While it is assumed that Brian Burke had a lot to do with the acquisition, general manager Jay Feaster had this to say:
"We had many discussions this past year about Joe, but never made an offer. With the opportunity to speak with Brian Burke and learn about Joe's hockey sense and character from someone who had him as a player and knows him so well, it became clear to us that this is the type of young, big centre we need. He fits in very well with our rebuild and provides size up the middle which we believe is critical going forward. The fact that he is from Calgary is an added bonus. We look forward to welcoming him to the Flames family."
Colborne was drafted 16th overall in the 2008 NHL draft and has yet to really crack an NHL lineup. Being considered still rather weak with respect to centerman depth, the young forward adds more youth and size to the Flames lineup, despite not known to play overly physical. Colborne is a great young asset to add to the organization, especially at the cost of a conditional 4th round selection.
The tricky part of this move, for the Flames, is that Colborne will need to clear waivers if sent down and a few analysts from around the league feel as though he might not be strong enough at the moment to make the Flames roster. I disagree, or else Calgary would not have touched this deal with a ten foot pole. Colborne can be slotted in as a winger or a centerman and others can be moved around, as well.
The Flames have been testing TJ Galiardi at center due to their lack of depth, and with this trade Galiardi can move back to the wing and allow Joe to take over at center. Conversely, this may also mean that Sean Monahan may return to the Ottawa 67's before getting in more than 9 regular season games.
Colborne played 65 games with the Toronto Marlies last year and was good for 45 points. He will add nothing but youth and depth for the Flames team and help them out in the long run. Also, btw folks his name is spelt Colborne – not Colbourne as I’ve already seen a lot of!
In other news, the Flames have placed Blair Jones, Ben Street, and Derek Smith on waivers.
Thanks for reading!
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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