Flames trade David Jones to Wild for Niklas Backstrom, late pick
Three hours after the trade deadline came and went, there was still one more deal on the docket.
The Calgary Flames traded forward David Jones to the Minnesota Wild for goaltender Niklas Backstrom and a sixth-round pick Monday.
Jones notched nine goals and six assists in 59 games for the Flames, and played his final game with Calgary on the top line alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.
"As much as I love Calgary and my teammates, I think this situation for me is great," Jones said of joining the Wild, who are currently two points out of a playoff spot and 10 points ahead of the Flames, who have two games in hand on Minnesota.
Backstrom hasn't played an NHL game this season. The 38-year-old former Wild starter leaves Minnesota as the franchise leader in games played by a goaltender (409), wins (194), and shutouts (28).
#MNWild GM Chuck Fletcher: "I want to recognize everything Niklas Backstrom has done for this franchise -- winningest goalie."
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) February 29, 2016
The Flames take on Backstrom's $3.42-million cap hit this season, while the Wild absorb Jones' $4-million hit. Both players are pending unrestricted free agents.