[united]

Terrible news, both for the Flames but more for Valimaki himself suffering another setback. I was really looking forward to him solidifying himself as a bonafide NHL defenseman this season, and starting his progressive and rapid development into a legitimate first pairing NHL defenseman within a couple seasons.

Tough for the Flames too as this throws a wrench into the plans in a number of ways. Kylington clearly needs another season of development in the minors before fulltime NHL duty aside from heavily sheltered situations, and I do believe there was the possibility the Flames were going to include him in a move this summer at his request. Still a chance, but very tough to pull the trigger on that now with depth/Brodie issue in light of Valimaki's injury. Tough spot for Treliving, that's for sure.

Here's to a speedy and routine recovery for Valimaki, and hopefully he's ready to go for round two of the playoffs.