The Calgary Flames’ decision-makers set their sights on No. 87 at the world championships, and they got their guy.
Whoa, wait a second ... Not that guy.
We’re talking about Jakub Nakladal, the 27-year-old defenceman who wore No. 87 for the Czech Republic at the latest instalment of hockey’s other spring showdown and signed a one-year, two-way deal Tuesday with the Flames.
“He’s a good size, strong, plays a harder physical game,” said Flames GM Brad Treliving of Nakladal, who is listed at 6-foot-2 and 205 lb. “To me, his game is first-pass and make smart, simple plays.