NHL: Flames trade for Toffoli, Eichel debuts Wednesday, Kane returns to Shark Tank, and more
The Calgary Flames acquired forward Tyler Toffoli from the Montreal Canadiens on Monday in exchange for a package of players and picks, including a protected 2022 first-rounder.
Also going to Montreal in the deal are journeyman forward Tyler Pitlick, prospect Emil Heineman and a 2025 fifth-round pick.
If Calgary protects its 2022 pick, the Habs will get a first-round pick in 2023 as well as a fourth-rounder in 2024, according to multiple reports.
NHL Trade: Flames acquire Toffoli from Canadiens
Toffoli, 29, has 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists) in 37 games this season, his second in Montreal. He signed with the Canadiens as a free agent in October 2020, helping the club reach the Stanley Cup Finals last season.
“He’s a winner, scores goals, kills penalties,” head coach Darryl Sutter said. “He’s a good player.”
Toffoli has 370 points (182 goals, 188 assists) in 614 career games, all but 100 of those with the Los Angeles Kings, who selected him in the second round of the 2010 draft.
Eichel to debut with Golden Knights
Vegas landed Eichel and a 2023 third-round draft pick in exchange for forwards Alex Tuch and Peyton Krebs, a top-10 protected 2022 first-rounder and a 2023 second-rounder.
Eichel then underwent the surgery in early November, the first NHL player ever to undergo an artificial disk replacement. He returned to practice Jan. 11 and will play his first game of the season roughly three months after his procedure, ahead of an estimated timeline coach Peter DeBoer had given last month.
“It’s been a long wait but well worth it and we’re excited to bring Jack back on Wednesday night,” McCrimmon said Monday.
Eichel, 25, has totaled 355 points (139 goals, 216 assists) in 375 career games spanning six seasons in Buffalo. The center only played in 21 games in 2020-21 due to his injury.
“I’m sure there will be a lot of emotions Wednesday, I’m already starting to feel them,” said Eichel via ESPN. “I’m just trying to be realistic with myself and my expectations. I haven’t played in 11 months and no preseason games, and I’m jumping in against the best team in the league right now.”
“I have a lot to prove. To myself. To the rest of the league. To the organization.”
Also Monday, the Golden Knights moved captain Mark Stone to long-term injured reserve. The forward has been coping with a back injury while tallying 28 points (eight goals, 20 assists) in 28 games.
Evander Kane returns to San Jose
After being put on unconditional waivers by the Sharks on Jan. 8 for the purpose of having his contract terminated, Kane agreed to a one-year contract with the Oilers on Jan. 27. The 30-year-old forward was named San Jose’s team MVP in the 56-game 2020-21 season, when he led the Sharks with 22 goals and 27 assists.
“There wasn’t one incident or a certain thing that happened,” Sharks coach Bob Boughner said. “I think it was just a combination of a lot of things.”
Kane was asked if there was anything special about facing his old team.
“Not really,” Kane said. “Just a great opportunity to get two points. We play them more than once the rest of the season. It’ll be fun to be part of those games.”
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