Flames announced another minor trade today. This time they pick up 24-year old tough guy Lane MacDermid from Dallas in exchange for Calgary’s 6th round pick. MacDermid was a 4th round pick of the Bruins back in 2009. His career high in terms of points as a pro is 19. He also regularly hits triple digits in the PIM column.

Which means the Flames essentially swapped old Tim Jackman for a younger version of Tim Jackman. There’s at least a small chance MacDermid will develop into a functional 4th line mucker type (as Tim was in his younger days), but it’s also possible he’ll merely top out as an AHL-level enforcer (a la PL3).

I continue to be surprised that NHL GM’s make these sorts of deals. Replacement level tough guys are freely available. They litter the minor leagues and they hit the waiver wire throughout the season…in fact, MacDermid was on waivers himself a few days ago. Calgary probably waited to trade for him so they would have more flexibility now that he’s cleared waivers (ie; they can send him down to Abbotsford now)…but the whole thing seems like a waste of effort to me.

Oh well.