Calgary Flames Need To Make Kris Russell Decision

Two-hundred eighty-three, the number of times Calgary Flames defenceman Kris Russell threw this body in front of a puck flying at him at speeds of 90 miles/hour and up last season.

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But the Caroline, Alberta product was raised a rough and tumble farm boy, and it shows on the ice. Russell set an NHL record for blocked shots last year with his aforementioned 283 blocks, proving his willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win.

So why trade him?

The analytics community hates Russell about as much as they love Backlund, thinking that Russell isn’t fit to hold his Calgary Flames defence partner Dougie Hamilton’s jock-strap; having a 44.3% Corsi rate on the season doesn’t help his case.

When he’s on the ice, the Calgary Flames spend more time in their own zone, and receive more shots against then there able to produce offensively, contributing to Calgary being on of the worst possession teams in the league at 27th overall.

His tendency to go down to block shots has saved more than a goal or two by preventing the puck from reaching the net, however he can frequently be pulled out of position by looking to block the shot instead of closing the gap on the forward shooting the puck.

The fact that the big three for the Calgary Flames of Giordano, Brodie and Hamilton will be accompanied by some solid prospects in the not so distant future make Russell’s spot in Calgary’s line-up less assured, especially when his alleged asking price is 5 million dollars at 5 years.

Don’t forget either that Brad Treliving is going to have to re-sign the two best Calgary Flames forwards this off-season in Gaudreau and Monahan, both who could command 6 million a year.

But arguably the biggest reason to trade Kris Russell is the fact that he is such a hot-commodity on the trade market. Scouts and GM’s love his ‘whatever it takes attitude’ and his game is tailored perfectly for a team in the play-off hunt. With Byfuglien re-signing in the paradise of Winnipeg, there aren’t a whole lot of defence-man available who could help a team more than Russell.

In terms of other players available: Hamhuis, Polak, Schultz, and Hamonic round out the top-tier of players imminently available. Hamhuis and Hamonic are the two best available, but Hamonic likely won’t be going anywhere until the Islanders get a young defence-man of equal value and age in return, which is pretty redundant.

Polak and Schultz aren’t as attractive as Russell, so Hamhuis is essentially the primary player that teams may be targeting ahead of Russell.

Teams like Chicago, LA, Pittsburgh, Dallas, and Detroit have all shown interest in Russell, and his pending UFA status and cheap contract at 2.6 million is the icing on the cake.

Similar to Hudler, the asking price for Russell would either be a young player or a draft pick. Unlike Hudler though, the Calgary Flames do not simply have to trade Russell for the best offer that comes in, as he still plays a large role on the team, and could help the team moving forward.

The Calgary Flames should only trade Russell if they get an offer they can’t refuse, say a first round pick or a young player like Adrian Kempe out of LA and a lower pick.

However, don’t get your hopes up. Pierre Lebrun has reported that rental values are down this year, and that first round picks likely won’t be the going rate for rentals anymore.

first round picks likely won’t be the going rate for rentals anymore

So we’ve identified Kris Russell may be slightly overrated, he may become superfluous on defence for the Calgary Flames in a few years, and he is sought after among several NHL teams, so should Calgary trade him?

Calgary’s brain-trust may not even be sure of that one as reports are that they have had contract discussions, but haven’t completely made up their minds on whether or not to sign or trade him.

Trading Russell would almost certainly place an enormous pressure on the rest of the D corps, one the Calgary Flames could not sustain unless they were to bring in another top-four blue-liner this off-season as Calgary’s top prospect aren’t quite ready to play such a major role on the team yet.

If the teams feels they have an offer on the table they won’t be able to refuse than they absolutely have to take it, if not than they can sign Russell to a short-term deal until another player is ready to step-up and fill the void.

Next: Calgary Flames Right To Scratch Top Scoring Youngsters

Until Calgary makes a decision, expect Kris Russell to continue blocking shots and laying it all on the line for his team, putting up negative possession numbers in the process.

After all, you live by the sword and you die by the sword.

Should the Calgary Flames trade Russell? If so, at what price do you move him? Sound off in the comment section below.

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