It was a busy trade deadline for the Calgary Flames, as they worked to firm up their expansion draft protection list, their roster for the rest of the season, and start laying the foundation for next season.

 

Following the trade of Tommy Sjodin, Calgary moved out John McIntyre for Curtis Brown and $100,000. This gave the Flames some financial flexibility and freed up a protection spot on their expansion draft roster. Fan and team favorite Mike Allison was then moved to Hartford to attempt to chase an SMJ Cup. Todd Rierden was welcomed to Calgary where he will likely get plenty of playing time down the stretch run of games. In a move with next year in mind, Calgary shipped out Richard Park and a 3rd round pick for Danton Cole. Finally, in move to sure up some depth, Roger Kortko was brought in from the Islanders to eat up some minutes for the rest of the year.

 

With the trade deadline in the rear view mirror, attention now turns to playing time for this season, and the protection list for the off-season. While some Flames players are slam dunk protections, Calgary will likely be tasked with making some tough decisions on several Flame veterans for next year.

 

-The Calgary Herald