Calgary Flames Fending Off Interest In Kris Russell
By Luke Ryan
With it still not being clear whether the Calgary Flames are a buying or selling team, Kris Russell certainly doesn’t seem to be available if reports are to be believed.
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As reported recently by Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, Kris Russell whilst of interest to several teams isn’t being offered up as trade bait by Calgary Flames general manager, Brad Treliving. The general consensus is that the Calgary Flames want to negotiate a new deal with the defenceman and not lose him to another team.
It marks quite the turnaround in fortunes for Kris Russell, who was berated for a very slow and lacklustre start for the Calgary Flames this season.
If memory serves correctly, Russell has a plus/minus score of -14 through the first twelve games of the year.
Related Story: Ongoing Woes Of Kris Russell
The Alberta native looks to be on-track for a 25 point season for the Calgary Flames; down on last year’s 34 points, but solid numbers from the half of the second defensive pairing at least.
He has shown some degree of chemistry partnering summer signing Dougie Hamilton. His experience and leadership is a good reason to keep him around Dougie and the other youngsters looking for time on the Calgary Flames blue-line.
Elliotte Friedman speaking on Sportsnet 960, was pretty clear in his thinking that the Calgary Flames general manager could be the one to trigger the start of the full-blown trade circus, saying “I think your guy (Brad Treliving) holds a lot of keys here.”
It will be very interesting in the coming weeks to see whether it is indeed the Calgary Flames that unlock the currently dead-locked trade market and whether Kris Russell is a piece that is shipped.
With unrestricted free agency status at the end of this season, it’s vital that the Calgary Flames sort something for Russell soon, either way. In terms of a trade, he could net a decent draft pick or prospect in return. Or in terms of cap hit next year, you’d assume he’ll be seeking around the $3,000,000 mark.
A lot rests on the shoulders of Brad Treliving in determining the way forward for Russell and the Calgary Flames right now.
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What do you think the Calgary Flames should do? A new deal for Russell or ship him out and see what can be netted in return? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.