Connect with us

Calgary Flames

Corban Knight dealt to Florida for Drew Shore

The Flames were opportunistic tonight as they dealt prospect Corban Knight to Florida for Drew Shore.

Published

on

After sending waiving Brian McGrattan earlier today, calling up Markus Granlund and Joni Ortio the other day from Adirondack; the Flames then made their first trade of 2015. The trade sends former Florida Panthers prospect Corban Knight back to Florida (and their system) in return for centre Drew Shore.

Who are the Flames trading?

Corban Knight, was a former 5th round selection (135th overall in 2009) by Florida however after being unable to come to terms with a contract after Knight’s tenure at the University of North Dakota, he was dealt Calgary for a 4th round section in 2013. That pick ended up being Michael Downing (D) from the Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL).

In nine games with the Flames over the course of last year (seven) and this year (two), Knight had one lone goal. While last season in his rookie year as a pro, he had 18 goals, 26 assists for 44 points in 70GP with the Abbotsford Heat. This move makes some sense due to the organizational depth in Calgary at centre. Ahead of Knight are a number of players including Sam Bennett, Markus Granlund, Max Reinhart, and Bill Arnold. This season with Adirondack, Knight has had eight goals and four assists in 22GP.

Who is Drew Shore?

Drafted in the 2nd round (44th overall) in 2009, the centre has played 67 NHL games with the Panthers franchise. With eight goals and 12 assists over that time; he seemingly fell down the depth chart due to the strong play of Nick Bjugstad and Aleksander Barkov. This season he’s spent his time with their AHL affliate the San Antonio Rampage registering nine goals and 21 assists over 35GP.

Full stats courtesy of HockeyDB:

What does this mean for the Flames?

Not much now, it gives them more depth down the middle and a guy with a bit more offensive skill at this point than Knight. Florida's hands were tied apparently as Shore was two games away from requiring waivers so the needed to get something out of this tricky situation. He clearly has some talent and this could be a great option for the Flames over the course of the season.

For now at least, we have an option in the event that Markus Granlund has difficulty again and we need another capable centre called up to contribute. Given how Matt Stajan has been relegated to the fourth line, he could be slotted back up and this could allow Granlund to be sent back down; with Shore coming up. For now though, both players will report to their AHL teams until they’re needed in the NHL.

The main thing to keep in mind is Adirondack gets a bit more offensive skill as they sit 4th in the western conference, three points up on San Antonio. The Baby Flames (46) are four points back of Oklahoma City (50) currently midway through the season.

Additional Info: Calgary Flames Numerology on Shore | TSN Article |

by Mike Pfeil