The Calgary Flames have claimed winger Chris Stewart off waivers.
Stewart tallied nine goals and 13 points in 47 games with the Minnesota Wild this season. He should provide a little more pop in the bottom-6 and he's also a useful guy to have in the shootout.
The downside is his teams are consistently out-shot and out-chanced when he's on the ice and the Flames already have a few guys like that on the roster.
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Trade deadline day is finally here.
There should be a lot of action leading up to the 3 p.m. Eastern deadline and it wouldn't be surprising if the Calgary Flames are involved in it.
It's long been reported they're in the market for some more scoring help up front. There are some big names available (Max Pacioretty, Mike Hoffman, Evander Kane etc.) and the Flames do have the prospect capital to pull something off if they really want to.
If they're not comfortable with the prices of the big names, and it's entirely possible that's the case, I could see them looking at some much cheaper alternatives likes Benoit Pouliot or Radim Vrbata.
Pouliot is scoring at a 16-goal pace. While Vrbata is having a tough year, he tallied 20 goals and 55 points just a season ago so it's fair to assume he's capable of producing more than he has this season.
One way or the other, I think it's pretty likely the Flames pick up a winger today.
On defense, I don't see them doing much. I still think selling Michael Stone and recalling Rasmus Andersson would be a good way to a) improve the team; b) cut costs and; c) recoup a pick or two in the process but I don't expect them to go that route.
There's been talk the Flames could sniff around the goaltending market but Mike Smith shouldn't be out too much longer and David Rittich/Jon Gillies have (mostly) performed admirably in his absence. I don't see a big need there.
Regardless of what happens with the Flames, it should be a fun day. Stay tuned to the blog and my Twitter feed for thoughts on all of the action.
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