Daily Scan: Flames excited to open new rink vs. Isles, Chiarot, DeBrusk trade bait?

It’s hard to believe the Calgary Flames are playing in a home opener Saturday night, but that’s what their trip to the new barn in New York is. The Islanders open the UBS Arena against the Flames and the visitors are expecting a playoff atmosphere. Meanwhile, the NHL trade rumours are escalating as names like Chiarot in Montreal and DeBrusk in Boston are being batted around.

Coming off their incredible 5-0 win over the Sabres in Buffalo, the Flames will face more resistance in New York against a pretty good Isles team. Blake Coleman was part of a seven-game playoff series against this group last spring when he was with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“It’ll be an exciting atmosphere. Having just been here for a playoff series, I know how rowdy these fans can get,” Coleman told media after Saturday’s morning skate at UBS. “I’m sure it’ll be a loud, passionate group here. Anytime you can open a new building and be part of history, it’s pretty sweet.”

Rasmus Andersson agreed. It’s been a long time since these two teams faced each other with the Calgary Flames playing in the all-Canadian division last year.

“I can’t remember the last time I played the Islanders,” Andersson said. “They’re known for having a good structured team and it’s going to probably be a tight checking match and we look forward to that. It’s going to be a tough, challenging night and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The Islanders had to put Anders Lee and Ross Johnston into COVID protocol.

Lineups are expected to be the same for the Calgary Flames as they were in the win in Buffalo.

That Buffalo beauty showed how important the team’s pending free agents are, though. We dive into that in the most recent CHN+ piece. Use code Flames for a $10 discount on an already affordable annual subscription.

Oh, Canada! Canada Hockey Now

Montreal: The NHL trade rumours get amplified with teams struggling. Can the Canadiens get a first-round pick for Ben Chiarot?

Vancouver: The Canucks got a 3-2 win over the visiting Winnipeg Jets. What was Brock Boeser’s impact?

Toronto: The reason for the Toronto Maple Leafs turnaround? Powerplay production. Yes, it might just be that simple.

NHL Trade Rumours, News and National Hockey Now

Boston: This kind of thing is going to pop up more and more as we head toward Christmas. But here’s an NHL trade rumour for you. Could the Bruins entice the New York Rangers with Jake DeBrusk?

Colorado: The Avalanche signed their coach to a two-year contract extension through 2023-2024. Guess the franchise has faith that the disappointing start was due to injuries and bad luck.

Detroit: Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider is ready to play Saturday after taking a shot off the knee in Vegas.

Vegas: Paul Cotter, Jake Leschyshyn, or Jonas Rondbjerg; who keeps a roster spot?

Edmonton: Oilers put Nurse, Koekoek on IR, Smith to LTIR.