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Calgary Flames And Dallas Stars Close To A Deal?

By Luke Ryan

Dec 17, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Calgary Flames defenseman Kris Russell (4) and goalie Karri Ramo (31) in action during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Flames defeat the Stars 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Calgary Flames defenseman Kris Russell (4) and goalie Karri Ramo (31) in action during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Flames defeat the Stars 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Calgary Flames are close to sealing a deal that’ll see Kris Russell heading South, if the latest reports are to be believed.

As seen on Twitter the past two days, Roger Millions of Sportsnet believes that the Dallas Stars will be the team that the Calgary Flames seek to deal Kris Russell.

The return on such a trade will be quite significant; a high draft pick and a prospect headed to the Calgary Flames.

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Obviously, any deal works out well for a Calgary Flames side that appears to have no real shot at the play-offs this season.

Any sort of return on Kris Russell will be a bonus; he is on an expiring deal and the Calgary Flames can’t really afford to retain him unless they were somehow able to shift dead-weight (contract wise) like Ladislav Smid and Dennis Wideman.

Given the Toronto Maple Leafs were able to secure a similar return in terms of draft picks for Roman Polak, the Calgary Flames shouldn’t back down in terms of accepting a lesser offer.

Related Story: Calgary Flames Potential Trade Deadline Deals

As a shot blocker, Kris Russell could offer a great deal to the Dallas Stars in terms of play-off hockey; he plays the sort of ‘win at all costs’ type defense and ‘creating offense from defense’ game that can help a team to the Stanley Cup.

The Calgary Flames may be hard-pressed in terms of acquiring a high-value prospect, but the organisation definitely needs to be pushing for one in return. Anything less will be a bit of a failure from the office.

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All deals now are about building the future Calgary Flames side; this year isn’t about competing for the Stanley Cup.

Next: Calgary Flames May Not Find Hiller Trade Partner

Kris Russell is certainly the largest piece of trade bait that the Calgary Flames can dangle. If the Dallas Stars are the team that comes up with that offer, so be it.

If not, it seems unlikely that Russell won’t have suitors this trade deadline day.

What would be a good return on Kris Russell this deadline day? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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