Flames acquire Pushor
14.07.01 14:00MST
Flames swap pick and prospect for veteran D-man
The Calgary Flames announced a trade today with the Dallas Stars. AHL winger Dmitri Kirilenko and an 8th round pick in the 2002 NHL entry draft have been sent to the Stars for 28yr old defenseman Jamie Pushor (pictured).
Lethbridge native Pushor is a right-handed shutdown blueliner that looks to relieve a bit of pressure in front of JS Giguere this coming season.
"I feel like anytime you can get a 3rd pair guy like Pushor, you do it." Said GM Fyvie of his new defenseman. "Jamie's a big guy and had played on some good teams. He's won a cup with the Red Wings. He know's what it takes."
The move also signals the end of any thoughts people had that top prospect Michalek had on assuming an NHL role this season.
"I think Michalek could probably do the job, but limited minutes in the best league in the world may not be the best plan for him from a development perspective. We want him to get top minutes right now, and that wouldn't happen on the big club. It's not fair to him and not fair to our new coach either."
The final spots on the blueline are now open to some healthy competiton on training camp. 38yr old Steve Smith, 24yr old Denis Gauthier and now Pushor are all in the running to fight over the 6th and 7th spot on the roster.