MatthewFlames
Registered User
CALGARY: The Calgary Flames are serious about making the playoffs this season. They are determined not to finish 9th, their current position, in the conference for the 4th consecutive year. And so... the Flames have traded for offensive defenseman Brian Leetch to continue the push for a playoff spot.
In addition to Leetch heading north from Los Angeles, the Kings will send a 3rd round draft pick and an undisclosed sum. Heading the other way are defenseman Toni Lydman and forward Scott Parker.
"We are trying to make the playoffs - but we are also looking to the future. We have to be aware of our budget restrictions at all times. Leetch comes with a hefty salary, but one we can afford for a player of his quality" GM Kershaw admitted, "but I wasn't willing to pay over 2 million for a player of Lydmans stature, he is a free agent at the end of this season, so he was moved to LA, where they are rebuilding and he will be a steady influence on the younger defenseman there. Leetch is a significant upgrade to our offence since we are struggling to find a 2nd line centreman until Williams is ready next year."
Asked how did the deal come about the GM smiled. "It was something that came up during our Corson negotiations, and we've had several different players attached to the deal and several different amounts of cash. The rumours are true that the league refused to sanction several attempts at this trade until we got the combination right."
In addition to Leetch heading north from Los Angeles, the Kings will send a 3rd round draft pick and an undisclosed sum. Heading the other way are defenseman Toni Lydman and forward Scott Parker.
"We are trying to make the playoffs - but we are also looking to the future. We have to be aware of our budget restrictions at all times. Leetch comes with a hefty salary, but one we can afford for a player of his quality" GM Kershaw admitted, "but I wasn't willing to pay over 2 million for a player of Lydmans stature, he is a free agent at the end of this season, so he was moved to LA, where they are rebuilding and he will be a steady influence on the younger defenseman there. Leetch is a significant upgrade to our offence since we are struggling to find a 2nd line centreman until Williams is ready next year."
Asked how did the deal come about the GM smiled. "It was something that came up during our Corson negotiations, and we've had several different players attached to the deal and several different amounts of cash. The rumours are true that the league refused to sanction several attempts at this trade until we got the combination right."
