Canadiens and Flames Complete Big Deal

The Montreal Canadiens have traded Tyler Toffoli to the Calgary Flames for a 2022 first-round pick, a 2024 fifth-round pick, Emil Heineman, and Tyler Pitlick. 

Full deal is #Flames get Toffoli from #Habs for 2022 1st round pick (Top 10 protected), 2024 5th round pick, Tyler Pitlick and prospect Emil Heineman.#Flames clear enough cap space with Pitlick's $1.75 million coming off the books, no need for help/retain.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 14, 2022

We recently reported that the Flames have been expressing interest in Toffoli, and now, they have officially added their legitimate top-six right winger. He likely will take over Blake Coleman's spot as second-line right wing and naturally will give them a major boost offensively. In 37 games this season, he has nine goals and 17 assists. 

Toffoli is much more than a rental for the Flames. This is because he carries a $4.25 million cap hit until the end of the 2023-24 season. Thus, he not only has an affordable cap hit for what he provides but also is locked up for multiple seasons. That's a big win for them. 

Heineman is the notable prospect heading the other way in the trade. The 20-year-old winger is having a solid season with Leksands IF of the SHL, as he has 11 goals to go along with five assists. He was originally selected with the 43rd pick of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by the Florida Panthers, but sent to the Flames in the Sam Bennett trade last year. 

Pitlick is a decent bottom-six option and should get decent playing time with the Canadiens from here. In 25 games this season, he has two assists and a minus-5 rating. He also will have the cool experience of playing with his cousin, Rem Pitlick, too. 

With the Canadiens having new management and just a disastrous season, they are expected to make plenty of moves before the trade deadline. Toffoli is now the first big player that they have officially moved. 

Photo Credit: © Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports