Flames Mega Trade

Over the past several month's GM Kyle and myself have bounced ideas back and forth to see what we could do to better both our teams and I believe we have accomplished that goal late Tuesday night when a Mega Trade was completed between the Calgary Flames and New York Islanders. 

Leaving the organization is:

Rasmus Dahlin, 

Mikael Backlund, 

Owen Tippett 

and cash. 

Coming back from the Islanders the Flames get:

Patrik Laine, 

John Klingberg, 

Zach Senyshyn, 

prospect Sam Colangelo. 

Laine has been a player of interest for a couple of years now but a deal could never be closed until tonight. With the depth on the defense, it was worth the gamble to bring in an elite forward, something the organization felt was lacking. Giving up Dahlin was tough but with Jake Sanderson and Tyler Kleven on the way, it helped to make the decision easier to move Dahlin now to get Laine. While down the road it frees up a spot for Sanderson in the top 4. 

For the remainder of this season, Klingberg is a rental that gives us an upgrade on Dahlin while Senyshyn is a depth piece to help the Heat. 

Tippett was a tough one but with Colangelo coming back it helps lessen the sting while spreading out the lines with my forwards turning pro over the next few seasons. 

Backlund had decent numbers but he was on the 4th line so moving him allows us to have the forwards better placed in their appropriate positions, while also better utilizing money. Having Backlunds 5 million dollar cap hit did not make sense on the 4th line.

The Flames organization has reached out to all the players involved and those leaving understand the Flames organization we would like to thank them for their commitment and dedication to the team and city. They all understood that with the team fighting for a playoff spot for the first time in GM Steve’s tenure that bold moves would be made to bring the city something to celebrate in these trying times. We wish them the best in New York. 

As for the players coming in, all are excited to be joining the team. Laine felt this is a great move for him as he is in the age range with most of the younger players. He knows for this season he may play with a variety of guys to help the team but long term he hopes the organization sees him on a line with Elias Pettersson and Drake Batherson. 

Klingberg is a big boost to our defense for the stretch drive. His passing and experience are what we felt were needed. During our brief conversation, Klingberg was told that after the season was over and both sides liked what they saw then we would be serious about opening talks on an extension. He agreed and indicated let's get the city a playoff series. 

Senyshyn didn’t have much to say other than he was excited to be coming back to Calgary and was ready to do whatever it takes to help the organization. 

Colangelo indicated he was excited to join an organization that has several NCAA players, and once his time is up at Northeastern University he would be signing on. Just before hanging up, Colangelo shared that even though he didn’t play many games in his first year at Northeastern, he showed what he could do in his second year through his hard work. This growth is what the organization admirers and it's what we believe he will carry over to his professional career with the Flames. 

Coach Sutter was excited to hear the news and added this will allow for a better balance to the lines.  

Earlier in the season, GM Steve had heard through the grapevine that he was afraid to trade his youth. Clearly, he isn’t, it just needed to be the right deal and right time. After all, Laine just turned 24 on April 19th so he has plenty of years ahead of him. 

In closing from a Flame's perspective this is a deal that serves both now and the future.