The Flames have had goalie issues for a few years now. Actually, ever since Miikka Kipprusof has retired a few years ago. The Calgary Flames really thought they had the problem solved when they acquired Brian Elliott last year. Things didn’t pan out a hoped for the Flames and Elliott. The have now acquired veteran goaltender Mike Smith from the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for the rights to goaltender Chad Johnson, unsigned prospect Brandon Hickey and a conditional third-round draft pick
Smith, 35, has been with the Coyotes since 2011-2012. Last season, Smith compiled a record of 19 wins and 26 losses. he delivered a goal against average at 2.92 combined with a save percentage of.914. In Smith, Flames general manager, Brad Treliving is rekindling his relationship with Mike Smith from his days as a front office staff with the Coyotes.
Smith was drafted in the 5th round, 161 overall at the 2001 NHL Entry Draft by the Dallas Stars. Smith has spent time with the Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Johnson, a Saskatoon native, compiled a 18-15-1 record with the Flames. He cumulated a goal against average of 2.59 and a save percentage of.910. He also had 3 shutouts. The 31-years-old goaltender was drafted in the 5th round, 125th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Since then, Chad Johnson has spent time with the New York Rangers, the Boston Bruins, the Phoenix Coyotes, the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Islanders.
It is believed the Coyotes will retain 25% of Mike Smith’s salary of 5.67 million. Smith has two years remaining on his contract.
Beaulieu to the Sabres
The Montreal Canadiens completed another trade ahead of todays deadline for a trade freeze amongst NHL teams. Montreal sent Beaulieu to the Sabres, in exchange for a third round pick the 68th overall. Beaulieu, 24, failed to meet the Canadiens’ expectations, when he was given an opportunity to play on the first par along Shea Weber.
The Canadiens acquire BUF’s 3rd-round pick (68) in 2017 , in return for N. Beaulieu.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) June 17, 2017
In 2016-2017, Beaulieu, who is a restricted free agent played in 74 games registering 4 goals and 24 assists. He was Montreal’s first round pick (17th overall) at the 2011 NHL Entry draft.
Beaulieu was also known for his off-ice antics, which didn’t receive the highest praise from the organization’s management. Combined to on-ice inconsistencies, Beaulieu never really fit in the Habs organization.
Mueller acquired by the Devils
The New Jersey Devils acquired defenseman Mirco Mueller from the San Jose Sharks on Saturday. In exchange for Mueller, the Sharks received a 2017 second round draft pick, which is the 49th overall and also a fourth round pick being the 123rd overall. The Sharks also sent to the Devils, their fifth-round pick, 143rd overall, to New Jersey.
Mirco Mueller, 22, has spent most this past season in the minors. Instead of losing him at the expansion draft for nothing, they were able to conclude the deal with the Devils just before the trade freeze deadline.
The teams completed the deal just before the NHL’s trade freeze for the Vegas expansion draft.
Selected 18th overall at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Mueller cumulated for 6 points in 54 games for San Jose’s minor team.
