Flames add versatility, depth with Jarnkrok ahead of trade deadline

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For years, Calle Jarnkrok, his cousin Elias Lindholm, and Calgary Flames goalie Jacob Markstrom have joked how great it would be to play on the same National Hockey League team together.

On Wednesday afternoon, they got their wish as Flames general manager Brad Treliving dealt second, third, and seventh-round picks to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for the versatile Jarnkrok.

The 30-year-old pending free agent is a defensively-reliable, two-way forward who can kill penalties, play a shutdown role, and moonlight on scoring lines. In 49 games this season, he has 26 points…but his value goes beyond that.

“I’ve always considered him kind of a fixer,” Treliving said. "He's a defensive fixer on any line that can chip in offensively…We think he can touch a bunch of different parts of the game, he gives us more depth - and we like the player, so we're excited to add him."

Jarnkrok will likely centre Calgary’s third line and play alongside Andrew Mangiapane and Tyler Toffoli. 

"I've been watching a lot of games this year when Calgary's been playing. Played against them a couple times,” Jarnkrok said.  “They're a very good team, very hard to play against.”

Treliving also lauded Jarnkrok’s compete level and how he will fit into the team’s identity under head coach Darryl Sutter.

"He really fits our DNA as a guy who's ultra-competitive," Treliving said. "We think he can touch a bunch of different parts of the game, he gives us more depth and we're excited to add him."

“Right-hand shot that can play in our top-nine and a guy that’s played in playoff races, which is important for our club,” Sutter said.

The key word is ‘competitive.’

Jarnkrok’s addition means a Flames forward will spend time in the press box. The two