The Daily: Calgary Flames Earn Street Cred With Kadri Signing

It’s fair to say the Calgary Flames caught everyone’s attention with their Nazem Kadri signing Thursday.

The Flames have changed the narrative dramatically since Johnny Gaudreau left and Matthew Tkachuk informed them he didn’t want to re-sign.

Since then, they turned Tkachuk into Jonathan Huberdeau, defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, a first round pick and a decent prospect (Cole Schwindt). They used that first round pick to shed the contract of Sean Monahan, a player they didn’t want. Then, they signed feisty Kadri, coming off his best NHL season.

All eyes were on the New York Islanders and GM Lou Lamoriello. They supposedly owned the inside track on Kadri. But it was GM Brad Treliving who persuaded him that Calgary was the place to be.

Steve Macfarlane of Calgary Hockey Now called it “Another Leap Forward in Building a Better Flames Club” in his headline.

Vancouver Hockey Now’s headline was: “Wow Calgary! Kadri added; Vancouver Canucks will face a juggernaut.

Macfarlane wrote that the Calgary Flames are taking a “winners only” approach for the makeover of their team. The Flames are listed as the +18000 seventh betting choice to win the Stanley Cup. Based on the magic Treliving is turning to solve his problems, perhaps the Calgary GM should be thinking about trying his luck with the Intertops Casino Bonus.

Now, the New York Islanders are the team being criticized for doing nothing this offseason except fire Barry Trotz.

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The Detroit Red Wings have seven prospects in today’s semifinals at the World Junior Championships.

The new Detroit Red Wings have picked their new numbers and Jake Walman is changing his number.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: The Bruins fan base was extremely hard on the team’s front office in a recent poll. Boston Bruins

Philadelphia: Flyers management was named worst in the NHL in a recent poll. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: The Penguins promoted Todd Reirden from assistant coach to associate coach. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: So much for trading James Reimer to the Vegas Golden. Sources tell Sheng Peng the Golden Knights will start with Logan Thompson and  Michael Hutchinson. San Jose Sharks.

Washington: Sammi Silber writes that the Capitals made the right decision by passing on Nazem Kadri. Washington Capitals.