The buildup to the NHL trade deadline on March 8 has largely been quiet, but the Flames again are signaling that they’re open for business.
A month after dealing star Elias Lindholm to Vancouver in a major trade, Calgary made another significant move Wednesday by sending defenseman Chris Tanev to the Stars in a three-team deal.
Set to be an unrestricted free agent in the summer, Tanev was a natural trade candidate for the Flames, even though a recent winning streak has Calgary within striking distance of a playoff spot. The veteran has 14 points on a goal and 13 assists so far this season, and the Stars are looking to him as a defensive upgrade while they remain locked in a tight race for the Central Division crown.
Dallas entered Wednesday with a 35-17-9 record, tied with the Jets atop the division with 79 points. The Avalanche trail them by just two points.
Here’s what you need to know about the three-team trade between the Stars, Flames and Devils.
MORE: Tracking Alex Ovechkin’s chase for NHL goal record
Chris Tanev trade details
Here are the complete details of the three-team trade sending Tanev to the Stars.
Stars receive
- D Chris Tanev
- G Cole Brady (via New Jersey)
Flames receive
- D Artem Grushnikov
- 2024 second-round pick
- Conditional 2026 third-round pick*
Devils receive
- 2026 fourth-round pick (via Dallas)
* – Only transfers if Stars win Stanley Cup Final
Additionally, the Stars will cover just 25% of Tanev’s remaining salary this season. The Flames will pay 50% of the salary, while the Devils are absorbing 25% as part of the trade.
Brady was a fifth-round pick of the Devils in 2019 and currently plays for UMass. The Stars now own the rights to the netminder in addition to Tanev.
Grushnikov, 20, was a 2021 second-round pick of Dallas and has spent this season playing for the AHL’s Texas Stars. The Flames are receiving a second-round pick from the Stars in the deal, but the conditional third-rounder only heads to Calgary if Dallas wins the Stanley Cup Final in June.
The Devils, meanwhile, will receive a future fourth-round pick from Dallas for dealing Brady and taking on a portion of Tanev’s salary.
MORE: 2024 Stanley Cup Final odds
Tanev is heading into the stretch run of his 14th NHL season. He’s reached the playoffs five times, including four appearances with the Canucks, but the Stars might give him his best chance at a deep run as Dallas looks for its first championship in 25 years.
The Jets allow the fewest goals per game in the NHL, so the Stars are adjusting accordingly and prioritizing defense as they battle Winnipeg for the Central Division.
