The Calgary Flames announced that they have acquired goaltender Nicklas Backstrom and a 6th round pick in exchange for right winger David Jones.
CAL is trading David Jones to MIN for Niklas Backstrom and a pick. Holdup was Backstrom NMC.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 29, 2016
David Jones Traded to Minnesota
Jones, 31, had been on Calgary’s trading block for a while. His contract, with a $4 million cap hit, expires this summer, so he will contribute to Minnesota’s push for the playoffs as a rental. Jones has 9 goals and 6 assists in 59 games with the Flames this season, which was his third with the club.
Calgary receives a 6th round pick in the deal, which comes with Nicklas Backstrom’s contract. His deal, with a $3.416 million cap hit, also expires after this season, so clearing it out gave the Wild space to take on Jones. Backstrom, 38, has not played a game since January 13th, 2015, as Minnesota’s third goaltender. He is expected to report to Calgary, however it is unclear whether or not he will dress for the team. Backstrom suffered an elbow injury last year, which kept him out for much of that season.
Minnesota is currently not in a playoff spot, sitting 2 points behind the Colorado Avalanche for the final wildcard spot in the Western Conference. The addition of Jones does not improve them spectacularly, but it will likely help as they push to get into the postseason.
The Wild also made a couple of minor league moves today, acquiring defenceman Conor Allen from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for Michael Keranen, as well as winger Scott Sabourin from the L.A. Kings for Brett Sutter.
We will have more details on this trade as it develops. Follow @LastWordonPuck and Lastwordonsports.com for all of your NHL trade deadline news and analysis.
