We're in the run-up to what's affectionately known as the "silly season" in hockey circles: the annual trade deadline. There has been a lot of attention paid to the Calgary Flames and their impending unrestricted free agents as far as potential trades are concerned. But there's one scenario that I've had in the back of my mind, gnawing away at me.
I'm concerned that the Flames may trade Mikael Backlund before the trade deadline.
Here's why I think it could happen.
SOME BACKGROUND
Kris Russell is a UFA on July 1. He's 28 and a pretty decent fit with the Flames group, even though his underlying numbers leave a bit to be desired.