Pat Steinberg of FlamesNation: Jusso Valimaki’s return shaping the Calgary trade deadline approach is quite plausible. If Valimaki returns to pre-injury form, the Calgary Flames will not have to acquire a top-six defenseman. They can aim lower.
The problem is if things do not go so well. Giving up first round picks for rentals won’t sit well with the management of the Calgary Flames. Second round and beyond sounds less crazy. So a package of prospect/player and a second-round pick may net a third pairing player. Perhaps, that nets a second pairing defenseman.
Wes Gilbertson: David Rittich‘s agent pointing toward the Mikko Koskinen deal should not be surprised.