The Flames must have had a tough time convincing another NHL team to part ways with a competent centerman for their glut of defencemen. Visiting Colorado tonight, Calgary also made a splash in the visiting city by tendering an offer sheet to Ryan O’Reilly which he accepted.
Because O’Reilly is a restricted free agent the Avalanche are awarded compensation based on his RFA class which means Calgary’s 1st and 3rd round picks. But before that, the Avs have 7 days to contemplate whether they will match the offer.
Vancouver apparently tried luring O’Reilly, a highly touted offensive centerman, but the two year deal offered by the Flames, and a chance to play on the to lines, was apparently too good to pass up.
In other news, the Flames also traded for RW Brian McGrattan. Apparently AHL Abbotsford Heat don’t have enough toughness. Piskula is a solid journeyman defencemen, but that’s something the Flames have enough of.