Fuhr Traded, Players Protected
01.07.00 10.25MST
Flames reveal list of protected players and announce All-Star transaction
Future Hall of Fame Goaltender Grant Fuhr (pictured) has been traded to the Expansion Columbus Blue Jackets today in a stunning move that says more about the constraints General Managers face when having a limited number of players they can protect going into tomorrow's expansion draft.
The 37 year old all-star was not shocked. "They can only protect one of us. (Giguere) is obviously the future." When asked how he will remember his time in Calgary, Fuhr wasn't too emotional. "It was great. It's a good group of guys. They'll be fine without me."
Fuhr is the first official member of the Expansion Blue Jackets, as no other player is on the roster.
Close by and available for questions, was winger Jarome Iginla. "We'll miss Coco. He's a legend. I know a lot of us shooters enjoyed listening to his advice on how to improve our scoring. He's a wealth of information, experience and laughs. Great guy."
Fuhr appeared in 38 games for the Flames last season and compiled a 15-15-7 record. He recorded 4 shutouts, a 2.59 GAA, and a .913 SV%.
After announcing the trade with Columbus, a first for rookie GM Fyvie, the Flames revealed the list of players they will protect for the Expansion Draft being held tomorrow. The list is as follows:
Goalie - Jean-Sebastien Giguere
Defense - Albelin,T Gauthier,D Housley,P Lydman,T Morris,D
Forwards - Domenichelli,H Ekman,N Stillman,C Savard,M Shantz,J Wilm,C Bure,V Iginla,J St.Louis,M
One player exempt from the draft due to his age and playing time is RFA defenseman Robyn Regehr.
Notable players left exposed are Fred Brathwaite, Cale Hulse, Jason Weimer, Bill Lindsay, Daniel Tkaczuk and Chris Clark.
The Expansion Draft is scheduled to take place tomorrow at Noon Eastern.