While the hockey world waits to see what becomes of a potential trade that would see Tony DeAngelo leave the New York Rangers, there’s debate brewing between hockey analysts and insiders as they try to formulate which teams are in the mix on the defenseman and which teams aren’t.
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A few franchises were mentioned pretty quickly as potential landing spots for the polarizing blueliner. The Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames were all rumored to have some interest and many to the extent they were warm to the idea. Further to that, on Wednesday, Bob McKenzie reported on the NBC Sports broadcast that the Flames were among four or five teams that could take on DeAngelo as a “reclamation project”. An insider who exclusively covers the Flames, Eric Francis, was quick to comment.
Noting he didn’t think the Flames would be kicking tires, he said:
“I can dispel any rumours linking Tony DeAngelo and Sam Bennett via trade. No interest on the Flames part in the $4.8 million defenceman. Flames will take their time on this one.
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Francis is a veteran reporter with close access to the Flames. He should know. At the same time, he’s also repeatedly mentioned that Johnny Gaudreau is destined to be traded by the Flames — something that hasn’t happened. This isn’t to say he’s right or wrong, only to note that his reports don’t always seem to pan out.
Things got interesting when another reporter responded to Francis’ comments. Larry Brooks of the New York Post, wrote simply, “Not quite but thanks for playing.” It was as if to suggest Francis’ inside information was way off and that Brooks, in fact, knew that the Flames were interested.
There were even rumors on Friday and Saturday that the Flames and Rangers might try to work a deal that would include Sam Bennett coming over from the Flames — even though salaries would have to be taken into account.
So, What’s the Real Story?
Numerous reports suggest a trade is not pending between the Flames and any team on Bennett. There’s also nothing imminent when it comes to DeAngelo finding a new home. Still, it’s natural that insiders would report there’s a connection between the two teams.
The Flames could use a defenseman and the Rangers would probably like to add a player like Bennett. But, clearly there’s something off when it comes to the sources of information these two scribes are working with.
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