Flames ship defenseman Tanev to Stars in 3 team trade

*Photo from The Hockey Writers*

   With the trade deadline approaching, the stove is heating up. The Dallas Stars have acquired defenseman Chris Tanev from the Calgary Flames in a 3 team trade with the New Jersey Devils, according to announcements from the teams.

   The Flames initially traded Tanev to the Devils, retaining 50 percent of his remaining salary. The Devils then flipped him to the Stars, retaining further salary to complete the deal. The Devils traded the rights to goalie Cole Brady to the Stars as well while receiving a 4th round pick from Dallas.

   The Flames receive a 2024 second round pick, a conditional 2026 3rd round pick, and defenseman Artem Grushnikov from the Stars. The conditions of the pick are based on the Stars making the Stanley Cup Final. If they do, they get the 3rd round pick in 2026. If they don't, they don't receive the second draft pick.

   Dallas GM Jim Nill said of adding Tanev that "We are fortunate to have the opportunity to add a player of Chris’ caliber to our team. He is a proven defenseman with postseason experience that is comfortable in all situations on the ice. Chris is one of the best penalty killers in the NHL and will be a tremendous asset to our special teams play."

   Tanev, who can hit free agency this offseason, was playing in his 4th season with the Flames. He has one goal and 13 assists for 14 points and a +16 rating, averaging 19:50 of ice time in 56 games prior to the trade. He has averaged 2:36 of shorthanded time on ice this year, leading the Flames.

   Chosen in the second round of the 2021 NHL Draft by the Stars, Grushnikov is playing in the AHL. The 20 year old defenseman has one goal and 4 assists through 44 games with the Texas Stars, the AHL team of the Dallas Stars.

   Brady is a 23 year old currently playing College Hockey for the University of Massachusetts. So far this season, he has a 2-1-2 record with a 2.69 GAA and .903 save percentage over 5 games with the Minuteman.

   The Flames have been very active on the trade market this season, having already dealt Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks in separate trades. Goalie Jacob Markstrom and defenseman Noah Hanifin could also be on the trade block as the deadline gets closer.