Quote:
Originally Posted by getbak
I wonder if this might be an indication that there's interest in Jokipakka on the trade market?
I don't know the full rules of in-season NHL PTOs (the only rules I can find are for AHL PTOs), but I believe he can be on a PTO for up to 2 weeks (or so), which would carry through to the trade deadline exactly two weeks from today. I believe he can't play any NHL games while on a PTO, but he can practice with the team during this time. Currently, the Flames have a full 23 man roster, so to fit Bartkowski onto the roster under a standard contract, they'd have to send someone down to Stockton. However, after the deadline, the roster limit is lifted, so he could be signed at that time without sending anyone down, even if they don't trade anyone away.
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There's the answer right there.
This is a depth move to provide flexibility at the trade deadline (as well as the bonus flexibility for the expansion draft).
They waited until today to do this because they had no intention of sending anyone down to make room for him. He practices with the team for two weeks, and then the roster can expand after the deadline.
And right now, they don't know whether they are buyers or sellers (maybe both) nor do they know what deals may be available on either side.
But by adding him, if they
are sellers, no problem. If not, they send him to Stockton (who could use the help).
Seems like pretty good asset management to me. The negativity around here these days is crazy