|
Calgary Flames: On Russell, Ortio & More |
|
|
|
|
|
Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
Some Calgary Flames notes as we close in on Monday's trade deadline:
1) On Saturday TSN's Darren Dreger reported that a) it's more likely than not the Flames trade Kris Russell (
as they should) and; b) the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins appeared to be at the front of the line for his services.
With the Penguins acquisition of Justin Schultz it's safe to say they're no longer in the mix. Logic suggests the Bruins are now the favorites, but obviously other teams are involved as well.
To me the Bruins are a team that makes a lot of sense. They've been looking to add to their blue line all season and obviously they think adding Russell would do that for them.
They also have two 1st round picks, a 2nd round pick, and a highly skilled prospect that seems to have fallen out of favor in Alex Khoklachev. Suffice to say they certainly have the assets to pay the expected premium it'll take to land Russell.
2) Last night's loss to the Senators wasn't all on Joni Ortio but it wasn't surprising to see him come back down to earth following a couple strong starts.
He has an .894 save percentage in 24 NHL games and has had a couple sub par seasons in a row with then Adirondack/now Stockton.
He's only 24-years-old but he is not the future in goal for Calgary. They really need to add an established NHL goaltender if they want to go anywhere in the next few years while Jon Gillies and Mason McDonald develop.
3) Don't expect David Jones, if traded, to fetch more than a 4th or 5th round pick. Teddy Purcell, for example, has put up more than double the points and only fetched a 3rd rounder.
Recent posts:
Flames trade Hudler to Panthers for picks
My take on the Granlund for Shinkaruk swap
Another word on Kris Russell
The Flames control the goalie market
The Flames should trade Kris Russell
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»