TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports that the Calgary Flames have acquired goaltender Eddie Lack, defenseman Ryan Murphy and a 2019 7th round pick from Carolina in exchange for defenseman Keegan Kanzig and a 2019 6th round pick. McKenzie adds that Carolina will retain 50% of Lack’s salary. The deal secures a backup goaltender for the Flames as they acquired Mike Smith from the Arizona Coyotes earlier this month.
Despite the trade, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun tweets that the Flames are still interested in bringing back Michael Stone while also perusing the options available in free agency. The acquisition of Lack solidifies a tandem in net that was lacking after a quick first round exit during the 2017 playoffs. Brian Elliott struggled in their first round tilt with Anaheim, so acquiring Lack to backup Smith allows for a safeguard should injury or struggles in the net befall either netminder. Lack is coming off a season that saw him post an 8-7-3 record while also suffering a scary injury in late March.
Sportsnet 960’s Pat Steinberg wonders if Murphy can be a solution on the blueline for the long haul. The 24-year-old saw 27 games with the Hurricanes, a drop from the 2015-16 season in both ice time and production.
Kanzig appeared in 40 games for the Adirondack Thunder of the ECHL and posted 5 points (1-4). With the Stockton Heat of the AHL, Kanzig registered two assists in six games.
Ryan Murphy is horrible. So glad he’s gone.
Good move for Calgary
Murphy isn’t worth a bag of pucks. Lack is good but he needs consultant playing time which he’s not going to get as a backup.
And I thought Ryan Murphy was with the Blue Jackets?
Ryan Murray is with Columbus
Ah