CGY - WPG

[Calgary.Flames]

Then comes this trade ... finalizing my NHL roster for the upcoming season.
This next deal solidifies my top 2 lines and allows Mark Streit to go back on defense filling in for Jay Bouwmeester who was recently dealt to Tampa. Allows me to walk into next season with some room under the cap which makes the job that much easier. Had to let go some good two way guys, but I feel like I have enough overall team defense and offense was the main concern going into 2011-2012.

To CGY: Bobby Ryan(68), Bryan Little(74) and Taylor Ellington(73)

To WPG: Daymond Langkow(78), Matt Stajan(66), Brandon Prust(78) and Keaton Ellerby(79)

[GoJetsGo]

Flames send:
D Keaton Ellerby (79)
C Daymond Langkow (78)
L Matt Stajan (66)
R Brandon Prust (78)

Jets send:
R Bryan Little (74)
R Bobby Ryan (68)
D Taylor Ellington (73)

Jets accept.

Reasoning:

Motivation for this deal was to shake off Bobby Ryan's contract. He probably would have fit in well with my current group of forwards. That said, the opportunity to move a $4.5M / 5 year contract (of a player who probably isn't worth it) won't come often, even if we're here for the long haul.

I wasn't keen on moving Little, my best forward last season. But Calgary insisted on both. On my side Ellerby is the prize of this deal. Rafalski may retire or be too expensive to keep following this season. Therefore, Keaton is a solid top four option going into the future.

Langkow provides an additional leadership presence to a developing core. He also represents the work it takes to turn a bad free agency contract into an expiring deal. My hope is that Stajan can at the very least replace Little's production.

[Virtual Jarmo]

Approved.

Inputted.