Brad Treliving has checked an item off his wish-list, adding left-handed depth defender Oscar Fantenberg from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a 2020 4th round pick.
He doesn't have a ton of NHL experience – 77 games, to be exact – but the 27-year-old went on a couple fairly lengthy runs in the SHL so he does have plenty of professional experience in the playoffs.
While he doesn't bring much to the table offensively, his shot and chance suppression numbers are quite strong. He'll be a nice complement to a more offensive-minded partner (Rasmus Andersson) whenever he is in the lineup over Juuso Valimaki and/or Oliver Kylington.
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Trade deadline day is finally here and, perhaps, no team will be as interesting to follow as the Calgary Flames.
They have won five consecutive games and sit 2nd place in wins, points, and goal differential – behind only the powerhouse Tampa Bay Lightning. They're a legitimate contender and wish to approach the deadline as such.
The problem is their clear top target, Mark Stone, is a tricky guy to acquire. The asking price is enormous – rightfully so – but it might not make sense to pay it unless the Flames can re-sign him. I'm sure he'd be open to it. The issue is the Flames aren't positioned to do that right now and clearing a big contract (like James Neal's) would make acquiring Stone an even pricier proposition.
If the ask doesn't come down, the Flames may have to turn their attention to tier-two options like Marcus Johansson, Wayne Simmonds, Micheal Ferland, or Kevin Hayes, the latter of whom would probably be most costly. There's talk they could sit on their hands but I think they'll find a way to add another top-9 guy one way or another.
If possible, the Flames also want to add a veteran defenseman. With the recent play of Rasmus Andersson, in particular, I'm not sure that's a pressing need. Should they add someone, I think it's significantly more likely they focus on the left side – although I'd personally be content playing Oliver Kylington or Juuso Valimaki on a nightly basis.
Rightly or wrongly, I think they'll stick it out with David Rittich and Mike Smith between the pipes.
So, to summarize, a winger (preferably right) and defender (preferably left) appear to be the two items on Brad Treliving's wish list. We'll see if he gets what he wants.
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