Flames acquire defenceman Jacob Middleton
The Calgary Flames have completed a trade with the Minnesota Wild, acquiring defenceman Jacob Middleton and three draft picks. In exchange, the Flames sent veteran winger Blake Coleman and defenceman Olli Maatta to the Wild. As part of the agreement, the Flames will retain 50 per cent of the final year of Coleman’s contract.
The draft picks involved in the deal include a second-round pick in 2029, a third-round pick in 2027, and a fourth-round pick in 2028. This transaction marks a significant move for both organizations as they adjust their rosters.
Middleton, a 30-year-old left-handed shot, expressed his eagerness to join the Flames. He was born in Wainwright, Alberta, and noted the appeal of playing in his home province. Middleton also mentioned that Calgary was one of the teams he had removed from a no-trade list he had prepared, indicating his willingness to play for the club.
The defenceman is known for his rugged style and defensive capabilities. He has been a consistent presence on the Wild’s blue line for the past four seasons. Middleton also brings an impressive moustache, which he confirmed would be travelling with him across the border to Calgary.
Flames General Manager Craig Conroy commented on the acquisition, stating that Middleton is the type of player the team values. Conroy highlighted Middleton’s ability to keep opponents away from the net, his strong play alongside Minnesota star Brock Faber, and his potential to calm things down physically for the Flames. Middleton is also expected to contribute to penalty killing and play significant minutes for the team.
Middleton’s career includes 381 NHL games with Minnesota and San Jose, where he has accumulated 24 goals, 70 assists, and 360 penalty minutes. Last season with Minnesota, he recorded two goals, 14 assists, and 76 penalty minutes in 75 games. He also added an assist in 11 playoff games.
Middleton was originally a seventh-round pick, 210th overall, by Los Angeles in 2014. He also represented Canada, playing for the team that secured the 2023 world championship.
Departing players and their contributions
Blake Coleman, a 34-year-old veteran winger, departs Calgary after five seasons with the Flames. During his tenure, Coleman played in 392 games, scoring 99 goals and providing 100 assists. He also contributed two goals and three assists in 12 playoff games for the Flames in 2022.
Defenceman Olli Maatta, 31, is also heading to Minnesota as part of the trade. Maatta had played in 21 games for the Flames, recording two goals and 12 assists. He was previously acquired by Calgary from the Utah Mammoth in a trade that sent defenceman Mackenzie Weegar to Salt Lake.
The trade, described as a six-piece deal, was finalized on Wednesday morning. Conroy emphasized that the draft picks acquired provide the Flames with various options, including using them for future trades or making selections. Middleton’s arrival is seen as a move that aligns with the team’s ongoing direction, which he finds exciting.
Training camp is still more than two months away, but the newest member of the Flames is already eager to get started.
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Source: ca.sports.yahoo.com
