  Olli Jokinen skates during Flames practice before Monday's tilt against the Flyers. (QMI Agency/Darren Makowichuk) |
They might have had sleepless nights, but the Flames duo rumoured to be going to Manhattan Sunday night were part of practice Monday morning as the team prepared for a game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust both skated and look to be participating in the game — which could mean the deal reported by TSN late Sunday night is off.
Of course, in the world of NHL trades, it could also take place post-game.
At first glance, however, it doesn't seem to be a deal that does the Flames any good. Kotalik has long been scratched in New York and still has two years and $6 million left on his three-year deal. Higgins has never lived up to his billing since leaving Montreal and becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year.
Jokinen is also due to become a UFA, but has had more history of success than Higgins.
Perhaps Monday's game will help sway Darryl Sutter — he's got the Finn teamed with countryman and former Florida Panthers teammate Niklas Hagman.
Jokinen lined up with Hagman and Jamie Lundmark.
Prust centred a fourth line of Jamal Mayers and Eric Nystrom.
The other lines stuck new centre Matt Stajan between Jarome Iginla and Dustin Boyd, with the Curtis Glencross-Daymond Langkow-Rene Bourque unit intact.
As for the departure of Dion Phaneuf, former Leafs blueliner Ian White has not only inherited Phanuf's No. 3, he's taken his spot alongside Robyn Regehr.
