Kris Russell's time with the Calgary Flames may soon end, but not before a game or two in front of the home crowd.
The defender's name has been in trade rumors all month, with the Flames playing out the stretch and the 28-year-old on an expiring contract.
Kris Russell on trade speculation: "Obviously my name is coming up. I want to be a Calgary Flame. But sometimes you don’t get what you want"
— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) February 25, 2016
Russell, earning $2.6 million, hasn't played since Feb. 12 due to a lower-body injury, but is expected to return to the lineup Thursday against the New York Islanders. He's officially a game-time decision.
"I'm looking forward to getting back as quick as I can and helping this team," he said.
The rental market for defensemen is thin, but prices are reportedly high. The Los Angeles Kings have been mentioned as a potential destination for Russell, who has 15 points and averages almost 23 minutes a game.
The Flames are home Saturday to the Ottawa Senators, their final game before Monday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline.
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