from Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun,
With 13 games on the docket before deadline day, the Flames GM is likely waiting for a hint from his inconsistent squad, and, in the meantime, hoping that his slate of soon-to-be unrestricted free agents — the most obvious trade chips — can boost their sagging stock over the next month.
To recap that list …
* Jiri Hudler was the NHL’s leading point-producer at even-strength during the 2014-15 campaign, and the Lady Byng Trophy-winner stole the show with his shoeless appearance at the season-ending awards gala in Las Vegas. Trouble is the 32-year-old right-winger has too often been a vanishing act this winter, with only six goals and 18 helpers in 41 contests so far. By comparison, Hudler had 14 tallies and 25 assists in 45 skates prior to the all-star break a year ago.
* Kris Russell ranks second in the league with 156 blocked shots, hardly a surprise after the gritty defenceman set an NHL record in that category last season. Russell’s offensive production has dipped slightly — he has three goals and 11 assists to date after a career-best 34-point campaign —and he’s often a whipping boy for the analytics crowd, but the 28-year-old alternate captain was a workhorse for the Flames during their playoff push last spring.
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