Things are happening.
While it would be fun to reminisce about the pounding the Calgary Flames laid on the Vancouver Canucks last night — today is Trade Deadline Eve. Lots to talk about. A couple cool things about the game then let’s get to the fun stuff.
Rolling All four forward lines were involved in a goal last night. Tkachuk and Backlund together brought back memories of the the absolutely dominant 3M line and Dillon Dube brought some vintage hockey himself. That promotion to the second line was well timed. Darryl must be frequenting HockeyBuzz
Sour note It’s hard to find much to complain about in a game where zero Canucks forwards recorded a shot on net in the first period. That said, the Gudbranson tripping call was a bad one at the end of the game. Credit to the Rogers Arena organ player for playing the Phantom of the Opera theme when the call was made.
That powerplay goal by Brock Boeser shortly after put backup goaltender Daniel Vladar at .920 on the night. That bumps him from .903 to .904 on the season.
OK Trade Deadline Eve.
Richardson Sandpaper center Brad Richardson was waived by Flames GM Brad Treliving today in an effort to clear cap and a roster space prior to the trade deadline. The 163rd pick of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft has been a reliable shutdown role player this season. It would be a shame to see him claimed.
Clifford Speaking of claiming former LA Kings off waivers, Leafs GM Kyle Dubas waived Kyle Clifford today. Kyle would be an excellent pickup should Richardson get claimed. Even if Brad stays, Clifford would provide important depth and size down the middle. While his offensive stats aren’t much, he can still check adequately and throw his weight around when he needs to.
Clutterbuck Cal Clutterbuck will sit out today’s game. This indicates he has a good chance of being traded in the next 24 hours. The guy is a menace to play against. 229 hits in 59 games. That puts him at second place in the NHL behind Radko Gudas (279) who plays four and a half more minutes per game.
Domi Max Domi was my personal preference before it became known that Clutterbuck was available. While he may come off as an underachieving top six player, Max is Tie’s son. Fun fact: Alex Pietrangelo absolutely hates Max Domi. You better believe he would affect the outcome of a Flames/Golden Knights series.
Max is on pace for 45 points — 12 goals and 33 assists, but might find things easier in a constantly threatening lineup. Darryl wouldn’t be kind to him regarding his defensive game, but that may be exactly what Domi needs at this point in his career.
Luke Schenn Friedman entertained the idea of the Flames acquiring the 6’2… 225lb defenseman in his most recent 32 Thoughts column. That usually means odds are good he goes to Calgary. He’s signed for one more season at 850k. It may be that Brad Treliving is considering him as Zadorov’s replacement when Big Z eventually signs a big contract elsewhere.
What will he cost? Tough to say. Travis Hamonic fetched a 3rd round pick earlier today. Troy Stetcher warranted a 7th round pick to go to LA. Somewhere between those two one would imagine.
Cheers to the former captain Mark Giordano is on his way to the Maple Leafs organization following a trade today involving multiple picks. While those picks will be announced soon enough, it’s nice to see Gio get a chance to play for his home town. He always upped his game to play the Leafs. Usually he found a way to level Nazem Kadri in open ice. Cheers to the infamous “Brodano… pairing being reunited.
Stay tuned!
@Trevor_Neufeld