Arizona Coyotes Trade Michael Stone to Calgary Flames
The Arizona Coyotes have traded defenseman Michael Stone to the Calgary Flames for a 2017 third-round-pick and conditional 2018 fifth. They will retain 50 percent of Stone’s salary for the remainder of the season, and will receive the conditional pick if Stone re-signs with the Flames this summer.
The pre-trade deadline selling has begun for the Arizona Coyotes, and Michael Stone is the first casualty.
Drafted in the 3rd round (69th) in the 2008 draft, Stone posted 96 points in 324 games over parts of six seasons with the Coyotes.
However, despite establishing a career-high 36 points last season, he has struggled this year after returning from a torn ACL and MCL.
Through 45 games he has registered a lone goal and eight assists.
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It is never easy to see a long-time player leave, and Michael Stone is no exception. He and his wife Michelle have been very active in the community over the past six years and founded Stone’s Stars, a group dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth.
He will definitely be missed.
On the other hand, this is an opportunity for other players to step up. Anthony DeAngelo has yet to make a return to the NHL since his suspension two months ago and Kyle Wood has also made a case for a call-up with 34 points in 45 games in Tucson.
It will be interesting to see which direction the team goes here.
Either way, the Coyotes are almost certainly not finished dealing as we approach the March 1 trade deadline. Captain Shane Doan, Radim Vrbata, and Martin Hanzal have been mentioned in trade rumors, among others.
Overall, I think this was a good trade for the Coyotes.
While it is tough to see Stone leave, it it probably for the best.
He really hasn’t been the same since his injury last season, playing mostly third pair minutes behind Luke Schenn and Connor Murphy. Hopefully a change of scenery is just what he needs to get his game back on track.
As for the return, while it could have been better, the real value is the roster space. Whether it be DeAngelo, Wood, or someone else who takes that spot, it is exciting to see the team continue to evolve.
Next: Coyotes Should be Reserved at the Trade Deadline
What do you think of the trade? Let us know in the comments below.