Calgary Flames defenceman Kris Russell, once expected to re-sign with the Flames, has been traded to the Dallas Stars, pending a trade call in exchange for defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka, forward prospect Brett Pollock and a conditional second round pick.
Kris Russell Traded to Dallas Stars
Russell, 28, is a Red Deer, Alberta native who was acquired by the Flames from the St. Louis Blues on July 5, 2013, for a fifth round selection in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Russell had trouble moving up the Blues depth chart but ended up a solid contributor on Calgary with 29 points in 68 games in his first full season. He followed that up with 34 points in 79 games in 2014-15, including seven points in 11 games in the post-season.
Russell has always had some trouble staying healthy in the NHL, missing games here and there. Despite this, he was making only $2.6 million with the Flames and hoping for a better contract for the points he put up. With Hamilton, Brodie and Giordano on long term deals in Calgary and the Flames going nowhere near the Stanley Cup, it seemed like a communication breakdown could lead to Russell being on the move to a team that would benefit from his offensive play.
The Stars made a smart move to acquire Russell, who could possibly re-sign in the summer.
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.
Main Photo Caption: CALGARY, AB – FEBRUARY 5: Kris Russell #4 of the Calgary Flames carries the puck against Cam Atkinson #13 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on February 5, 2016 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
