Deadline day was somewhat quiet league-wide but that was not the case in Calgary as Flames GM Brad Treliving made a couple deals.
Pending unrestricted free agents Kris Russell and David Jones were sent packing while the likes of Jyrki Jokipakka, prospect Brett Pollock and a collection of draft picks were brought into the fold.
Russell to Dallas for Jokipakka, Pollock and a pick
- I think Treliving did well with this deal given a) Russell is not nearly as good as many believe and; b) he's a pending unrestricted free agent.
In saying that I think the return has been hyped up to be a little more than it is - mainly because of defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka. In 40 games with an extremely high scoring team he has just six points and his underlying numbers are certainly nothing to write home about.
Obviously he is still young but I don't think he's as big of a get as many make him out to be.
- The real value, in my estimation, is in Brett Pollock and the conditional 2nd round pick. Pollock has scored at least 25 goals in three consecutive seasons and is averaging better than a point per game with Edmonton (WHL) this year. He's 19 and was a 2nd round pick so that's to be expected but is still a positive nonetheless.
The Flames don't have many quality forward prospects so he's a welcome addition in that regard. With another top-60 - potentially top-30 pick - they'll be able to add another good prospect to the system as well.
Again, I think they did well here.
Jones to Minnesota for Backstrom and a 6th round pick
This deal has a lot less layers to it, obviously. Jones has had a bit of a down season so the Flames ate a contract in order to get something for Jones and help clear a roster spot for younger players in the process.
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