TSN has just reported that the Calgary Flames have traded veteran centre, Daymond Langkow to the Phoenix Coyotes for 5th year Right Winger, Lee Stempniak. The deal is pending a physical examination to ensure that Langkow is no longer suffering any ill effects from the puck that hit him in the neck at the end of the 2009-2010 season.
Daymond was on my list of “need to trade guys”, not because I didn’t like or respect him, but because I feel that he is getting older and we could get more value out of $4.5M in cap hit. He’s been an amazing player for the Flames for the better part of 6 seasons, but it looks like his time in Calgary is coming to an end.
Lee Stempniak (wait for it… a former Toronto Maple Leaf) comes to the Flames after scoring 19 goals and adding 19 assists in the desert last season. Stempniak’s best season was in 2009-2010 where he notched 28 goals and added 20 assists.
The big difference in this trade? Out the door is Langkow’s $4.5M cap hit and replacing it is Stempniak’s $1.9M cap hit.
This story is still very new, but I’d like to know what you think about it?
Greg is the founder of Red Mile Blog has been following the Flames through good times and bad since they arrived in Calgary in the early 80s. He has written hundreds of articles on the Flames since 2005 and considers himself an expert on hockey inconsistency and frustration. He shoots right and usually plays defence, but has been known to jump up in the rush. He is a 2-time CAHL men's league champion and knows the sweet taste of beer from a Cup.
