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.
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"I think the eye test is still good, but analytics can sure give you confirmation: what you see...is that what you really believe?"
Scotty Bowman, 0 NHL games played
"You ain't gotta like me. You're just mad 'cause I tell it how it is and you tell it how it might be."
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