Better Late than never
2022-01-12The Calgary Flames have tried to keep busy through the off season from the draft to preseason to improve the team while still continuing with its building for the future. As such the press releases haven’t been as frequent as the organization would like. So today we will touch base on a recent move they have made that seems to be getting mix results from fellow GM’s.
The Flames have been trying to land a defensive dman since moving Joel Edmundson back at last season’s deadline.
The Flames top 4 defense before the season was:
Makar and Miller
Dahlin and Andersson
These 4 young and very strong defensemen who will have long careers in Calgary but do need some support.
After some searching, the Flames brought in Nick Holden for a 2023 5th rounder, and Brayden McNabb. The assets given up for McNabb have received mixed feedback. The Flames felt it was necessary to help solidify the defense to give Jordan Binnington some more experience on the backend so he could be as successful as he can be.
The Flames and Senators spent plenty of time bouncing various ideas which resulted in the posted trade.
Going to Ottawa:
Lukas Dostal
Brett Leason
Slater Koekkoek
2022 2nd (Jets)
Going to Calgary:
Brayden McNabb
Kevin Bahl
Mikhail Berdin
1,750,000 cash.
The two toughest pieces moved for GM Steve were the 2nd as we all know he loves his picks and Dostal. Dostal has a very bright future ahead of him but with the need for a solid defensive man coming back, this was the sacrifice that needed to be made. With a glut of right wings in the system, Leason became expendable while adding Bahl allows for some further depth for the Heat this coming season and to add to a growing strength on defense. That depth will include Jake Sanderson and Kevin Kelvin in the next year or two so the future does look bright for the Flames on the back end. Adding Berdin will minimize the loss of Dostal and the cash will indeed help down the road. Slater Koekkoek was a waiver pick up so getting something for him was an added benefit.
The Flames defense has been slightly overhauled but the future does look bright. In the short term, GM Steve is still looking to add some support in an effort to get the Flames into the Playoffs and out of the basement.
So what does McNabb bring to the table? How about work ethic, discipline, and the understanding of what you can and cannot control. He learned these attributes growing up in Saskatchewan in a small town of 1000 people and right in the middle of farm country. His hard play, big hits, physicality, and intimidation should complement the rest of the team. Sounds like the perfect addition to the Calgary Flames. Brayden is signed for this season and next so he isn’t a rental and hopefully he becomes a long-term member of the city and team.
Welcome to Calgary.
Nice article Stephen and great talks on this deal. Cheers. McNabb should be a great fit!
Better Late than never
Brayden McNabb