The Calgary Flames did make any big moves on trade deadline day, however, they did still get involved in the action.
They acquired center Nick Shore from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a 7th round pick and also claimed veteran winger Chris Stewart off waivers.
On the Shore trade The move may seem rather inconsequential but I think Shore was a pretty nice addition for the Flames.
He spent almost the entire season on a solid Los Angeles Kings team and they managed to control a larger percentage of the attempts and scoring chances with him on the ice than without.
He is smart, defensively responsible, can drive play, and also contribute a little offense. Shore is not going to light up the scoreboard but he has averaged 1.24 points per 60 minutes played on the year, which is more than 4th line mainstays like Troy Brouwer (1.15), Matt Stajan (1.01), Curtis Lazar (.88).
Considering the cost – a 7th round pick that will almost certainly amount to nothing – this seems like a tidy bit of business for GM Brad Treliving.
On the Stewart claim The Flames have been looking for a little more scoring and grit on the wings all season long. Stewart should provide that.
On an 82 game basis, Stewart is scoring at a 15-goal pace despite averaging a little more than 10 minutes per game. He is a pretty efficient scorer.
He’s isn’t afraid to get involved physically and stand up for his teammates, either. Stewart is a very cost-efficient way of helping the Flames add some dimensions they were looking for.
Unfortunately, the list of positives end there. Stewart is a big time possession anchor – that’s been a common theme for Flames depth guys over the last few years – and defensive liability. When he’s on the ice, his teams give up a lot more chances than they generate.
Perhaps playing with a bit of a driver like Shore will help but I still don’t think he’ll make up for Stewart’s defensive deficiencies.
Nevertheless, it can’t hurt to give him a look in a depth role given the cost of acquisition (nothing). Even if the Flames control a lesser share of the chances with Stewart on the ice than Lazar, for example, at least Stewart is more likely to capitalize on his.
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