Pacific Title Dog Fight

The trade deadline has come and gone with lots of activity throughout the league. As for the Calgary Flames with most of the heavy lifting done throughout the past few weeks, they remained relatively quite with making only 1 small move.  On draft day the Flames were approached by the Wings about Matt Benning and a deal was quickly agreed upon.

Going to Detroit was prospect Peetro Seppala and 700,000 in cash. Seppala was signed in the off season as a UFA but rumor has it that Seppala had been on the market for a bit as he wasn’t fitting in with the Wranglers.

Matt Benning is a veteran defenseman who can slide up and down in our lineup as needed. He brings sound leadership and strong defensive play.

2 days before the deadline the Flames also picked up Alex Stalock from the LA Kings for cash considerations and Brayden Schenn for Joel Armia and a 5th round pick in 2024.

Stalock provides some added veteran support behind Merzlikins while allowing us to send UPL to the Wranglers to get into some games.

As for Schenn, he has been an interest to us for awhile now, and as we got closer to the deadline and fighting for a playoff space we decided to give the boys some added support for the stretch drive.   

Going to Detroit was Joel Armia and a 5th round pick. Armia was originally acquired in the Kakko and Parise deal, and for the short time he was he he showed what an exceptional pro he is.

As for Schenn, he is a well-respected player who brings a wealth of leadership and experience that will help the team down the stretch. Once the season is over we will sit down with Schenn to see where he is at and see if there is a mutual interest to remain a Flame.

With the deadline in the rear view mirror and only 7 games to go, the Flames will be in a dog fight with the Seattle Kraken, Vegas Golden Knights, and the Vancouver Canucks for the Pacific Division Title.