The NHL is in a frenzied mode these days, with both the expansion draft and the entry draft behind them on the calendar. However, the UFA market is set to open soon and teams are positioning themselves to move and acquire the assets they need in the next few days.
In a relatively important trade today, the Flames acquired goalie Eddie Lack, defenseman Ryan Murphy and a 7th round pick in 2019 in exchange of Keegan Kanzig and the 6th round pick in 2019
More importantly, the Hurricane will retain half of Lack's salary, making him relatively affodable at 1,75M$ for a year.
The trade is mutually beneficial, but some Flames fans may highlight how Eddie Lack finished near the bottom of the goalie ranking last year. The 6'4'', 29 years old goalie had lukewarm performances for the last two years and many doubted his skills along the way. His backup goalie role in Calgary behind Mike Smith might suit him better.
Ryan Murphy is a 5'11'', 184lbs 24 years old defenseman who alternated between the NHL and the AHL in the last few years. The former 12th overall in 2011 was a long term project and he might get a second chance to perform with the Flames.
