It was announced this morning that the Flames have acquired RW Akim Aliu from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for D John Negrin.

Aliu is a former 2nd round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks. He was lent to the Abbotsford Heat by the Jets this season and it seems the decision makers like what they saw in the 6’3", 23-year old winger. Aliu has bounced around the AHL and ECHL since turning pro and is more famous for a hazing/fight incident with Steve Downie during his OHL days than anything else. He was also involved in several dust-ups during pre-season practice in Hawks camp before Chicago traded him away.

So far this year he has four goals and five points in 13 games with Abbotsford.

John Negrin was once a very promising prospects for the Flames. A smooth skating, two-way defender Negrin has battled endless injury issues since turning pro which ultimately seems to have derailed his development. Negrin fell down the organization depth chart and was briefly assigned to the ECHL to start this season. Clearly the Flames don’t see him as part of the future any more.

Aliu was also well regarded as a prospect at one point owing to his size and strength, but his results since leaving junior are completely underwhelming. His acquisition is strictly a depth move for Calgary’s farm team.