Flames relishing early returns of Stone trade

So far, so good.

The Calgary Flames should have no complaints when it comes to new blue-liner Michael Stone, acquired from the Arizona Coyotes on Monday.

Since the deal, Stone has appeared in four games with his new club, picking up two assists. He nearly added another helper Sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes, when his blocked shot made its way to Micheal Ferland, who beat Eddie Lack on a breakaway to net the game-winner.

All four games have been on the road, as he initially linked up with the Flames in Nashville to kick off a four-game road swing.

When the Flames return home Tuesday to take on the Los Angeles Kings, it will mark a homecoming of sorts for Stone. The Winnipeg native spent his junior career with the WHL's Calgary Hitmen, who share the same city and arena as the NHL club.

In 2009-10, his final season with the Hitmen, he led all defensemen in scoring with 21 goals and 44 assists in 69 games.

The Flames moved up to 70 points following Sunday's win over the Hurricanes, and now hold the West's top wild-card spot, sitting four points back of the Anaheim Ducks for the third seed in the Pacific.