The NHL trade action is heating up as the deadline approaches. TSN is reporting on their TradeCentre program that we've had our first trade involving a "big-name" player.Olli Jokinen was a hot commodity around the NHL Draft last summer, as the Florida Panthers were looking to move him. Phoenix won the sweepstakes, with defenseman Keith Ballard being the centerpiece of the package they sent to Florida. The marriage, however, didn't last long, as Jokinen has been dealt to Calgary. The Flames send Matthew Lombardi, Brandon Prust, and a first-round pick, according to TSN.
More Coverage: NHL Trade Deadline Tracker
Jokinen never seemed to fit well with the Coyotes. He did post 21 goals and 42 points in 54 games, but was obviously expendable, especially after the Coyotes went into a free fall.
Calgary is making a big-time push for the playoffs. They have a healthy lead in the Northwest Division, but with Vancouver playing well, the Flames have to hold them off for the third seed in the Western Conference.
When you know you can count on a goalie like Miikka Kiprusoff, it's simply a matter of scoring goals without crippling your blue line. The Flames have now acquired Jordan Leopold and Jokinen, upgrading the power play and the forward depth, and they haven't harmed the bottom line, which is defense.
Even if they're done, it's been a great deadline day for Calgary.
