Flames Acquire Akim Aliu from Jets for John Negrin

The Calgary Flames announced on Monday that they have acquired right wing Akim Aliu from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for defenseman John Negrin. In 13 games this season with Abbotsford of the AHL, Aliu has four goals and one assist for five points. He also appeared in 10 games with Colorado of the ECHL, scoring two goals and four assists for six points. Negrin has one assist in 26 games with Abbotsford. He has also appeared in nine games with Utah of the ECHL, scoring one goal and five assists for six points. Both players have yet to appear in an NHL game and will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer. In Aliu, the Flames add a talented forward with plenty of size and some offensive upside despite struggling offensively in the minors. For now, he will bolster Calgary's minor league affiliate in Abbotsford. In Negrin, the Jets get a defenseman with plenty of size and a little offensive ability. He has battled some knee injuries throughout his hockey career, but should be a steady blueliner for the team's AHL affiliate in St. John's.