Abbotsford Heat defenceman Brendan Mikkelson was on the move on Friday morning, as the NHL parent Calgary Flames traded him to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for centre Blair Jones.
Mikkelson has been a big part of the Heat's success this season – he's been a rock on the blueline, regularly leading the team in ice time. In 33 games, the 24-year-old Regina, Sask. native registered three goals and 12 assists, along with a +1 rating.
Jones, a 6'3", 215-pound centre, has suited up for 22 games with the Lightning this season, posting two goals and two assists. He's been a solid point producer at the AHL level – he notched 55 points (24 goals, 31 assists) in 57 games with the Norfolk Admirals in 2010-11. He'll report to the Flames.
“Blair is a player that both Brent Sutter and I are familiar with,” Flames general manager Jay Feaster said, alluding to the fact Jones played for Sutter with the WHL's Red Deer Rebels from 2002-05. “He is a good sized centerman and someone we feel will fit in well here with our organization.”