[IgiTang]

Is he not the NHL leader in shot blocks still? Does that not count for something anymore?
Add to that, the entire team has been terrible Defensively until late.
Also, being paired with Wideman early on who was an absolute mess would add to Russell's problems Defensively.

Lately, he's been much better, still wears his heart on his sleeve. He's farm boy strong and doesn't get pushed around. Still skates like the wind and is making some solid plays offensively. I have no doubt he finds his offensive touch from last year.

Speaking of last year, and every year we have had Russell, he's been a gem. Wideman and Russell were our top pair last year when Gio went down. That wasn't a fluke.

I'm not saying he's the guy we keep as our Nik Hjalmarsson (dependable 3rd dman or 4 th dman) and we keep him. But to think or say that he isn't even an NHL defender is just wrong.

The entire team has been poor and now turning it around the last few games. To think Russell won't follow suit with the team really frustrates me.

Russell has a ton of value, perhaps not in a trade but in terms of what he can still bring night in and night out. I have no doubt he finds his game again with everyone else.

Edit: Sportsnet makes me sick. The talking heads are always gushing over the opponent during Flames games. The second the Flames are in a playoff position, the "its not sustainable" talk begins.
Just seems the Flames are Sportsnets whipping boy night in and night out.