Calgary Flames defenceman Dennis Wideman says he is “open” to being traded, according to the Calgary Herald.
“If that’s something that (the Flames) want to do, then they can call and I definitely would be open to it,” Wideman told Wes Gilbertson on Thursday. “I think, as a player, you don’t want to be anywhere that you’re not wanted. So if they want to move you and someone wants to take you, then it’s nice to go somewhere like that if that’s the case.”
Per Gilbertson, Wideman hasn’t been contacted by Flames brass yet.
Though the blueliner played an important role during the Flames’ surprise post-season run in 2015, his sizable $5.25-million cap hit and full no-movement clause could make him difficult to move. The 33-year-old is riding out the final few months of his five-year deal and could provide depth on defence for a playoff-bound team with space on its payroll.
[relatedlinks]
Wideman was listed as a healthy scratch Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators, and will be the same for Thursday’s matchup in Tampa Bay. He’s also seen his place on the team’s depth chart drop lately, especially in recent weeks with the acquisition of Michael Stone and Matt Bartkowski.
The defenceman’s 2015-16 campaign was cut short after he was issued a 20-game suspension for a controversial incident involving an official (that ban was later cut down to 10 games), followed by a season-ending tricep injury.
Wideman has three goals and 13 assists in 52 contests this season.
