The Calgary Flames have traded Curtis Glencross to the Washington Capitals for a 2015 2nd round and 3rd round draft selection.
The conversation between the two teams has believed to have been going on for quite some time, and with only one day remaining before the trade deadline, Washington has decided it was time to bring in added veteran depth for their team’s playoff push.
Currently holding one of two Wild Cards in the Eastern Conference, the Capitals are hopeful to secure a spot for the post season, and by bringing in a guy with 489 NHL games under his belt, they certainly feel that their chances have improved.
Glencross has been a fan favorite for years in Calgary, and the thought of him bringing back some true assets was really the only reason most fans wanted him gone. The team and the player were at different stages as Glencross felt he wasn’t being properly utilized, and as such asked to be moved.
Given the circumstance, I assumed the Flames would bring in a 2nd rounder and a mid to low end prospect for Glencross as he hasn’t exactly had the greatest season with 28pts in 53 games played. Curtis should be a decent asset for the Capitals as a third liner with experience and grit, and I can honestly say I like the deal for both teams.
In terms of Calgary, it sure is nice to see that they are not only looking to improve their team in their current state, but also have kept in mind the bigger picture of their rebuild. Many teams flirting with a playoff spot are often tempted to keep a player like Glencross to help their case and as such eventually lose the player altogether. In this case, the Flames recognized that there was no fit for Curtis on this roster and that bringing in two 2015 draft selections will help their rebuild and heck, maybe even their playoff push.
And this reason I say this, is because I sincerely expect at the very least one more move prior to tomorrow’s deadline, as these extra picks gives the team a little bit of flexibility when speaking trades.
While Calgary has a few options in terms of rookie replacements for Glencross’s minutes, I’m not overly convinced that they don’t look to bring in an extra winger and or defenseman via trade. That said, I do not expect anything earth shattering, not even enough trembling from your neighbours kid’s crappy subwoofer in his 2001 Acura, either.
Expect a small move to shelter some of the rookies but also stay competitive. I can see the Flames taking on same bad salary and bringing in a prospect and or other draft picks.
On a side note, the Flames have also claimed 27 year old defenseman David Schlemko off waivers from the Dallas Stars. This season, Schlemko has a goals and 3 assists with the Stars in 25 games played, and has amassed 50 points in his 212 NHL games to date. I don’t have much to offer on David at this point as he hasn’t exactly seen a whole lot of ice time, but I will do some research and get back to you!
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