Reto Berra and Lee Stempniak Traded
The waiting game for Flames fans took until the final seconds of the trade deadline during this 2014 edition. Everyone knew what was in play from Calgary. With a number of UFAs, chief among them Mike Cammalleri, and in year 1 of a rebuild, jettisoning bodies for picks was the expectation. For whom–not who would be traded–was the news fans were waiting for.
Turns out the number of moves disappointed most. The players that did move were somewhat of a surprise, but it was who didn’t move that surprised even more.
Admittedly, acting GM Brian Burke was clear, he wasn’t going to make rash decisions, only ones that would make the team better over the longrun. With the highest prize being Thomas Vanek, who only commanded a prospect and a 2nd round pick, the likes of Cammalleri going for around the same was unlikely. With that in mind, what were the offers for Cammalleri? Obviously not high enough to balance off the possibility he’ll resign with the Flames this off-season.
Of course, the issue with any UFA is that they tend to move on for greener pastures. Notable names left, Cammalleri and Butler, they may go for nothing, and that’s the risk.
At the end of it there were some good moves, consider the holdup over other teams making decisions, and the relatively low demand market for forwards (or anything outside of a goalie), Calgary did get suitable returns.
Leaving the Flames: Reto Berra who was the odd man out with the standout play of Finnish prospect Joni Ortio. Berra is slated to become a UFA and lost the potential #1 job to Ramo. The Flames got a SECOND ROUNDER in return which is exceptional return. It does suggest, however, that Colorado thinks highly of the netminder.
Also on the outs is Lee Stempniak who was sent to Pittsburgh in a last minute deal. His deal fetched a third round draft pick. Lee gets to be closer to his family in the Eastern US which is huge given the birth of his new set of twins.
Back at home no players return in the deals, just prospects, which means the farm will be sending extra bodies and we’ll get a look at some of the young talent. Most notable area of need is in goal, Ramo still hurt and Ortio now, with MacDonald backingup, shouldering the load.
How do you think the Flames faired this trade deadline?
I believe it was okay because ultimately it is up to the big boss to execute the decisions. Nevertheless, according to the current Flames performance, it is my conviction that the team is performing above expectations and hence the trade has not made a lot of difference.