The Flames made another trade ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline, acquiring centre Riley Damiani from Dallas in exchange for forward Emilio Pettersen.
While the news was admittedly unexpected for the 22-year-old, he says he is looking forward to a fresh start in Calgary.
“I’m obviously excited,” said Damiani, when asked about the move. “A change of scenery, a different group, plus I’m going to a really good team, so I’m excited.
“I felt like I wasn’t really on very many people’s radars coming into the trade deadline, but I’m glad to be getting this opportunity and for the Flames to give me a chance here, so I appreciate that.”
Damiani has skated in 53 games for the AHL’s Texas Stars this season, scoring 10 goals and 23 points.
The native of Mississauga, Ont., has also racked up 34 penalty-minutes and, when describing his style of play, Damiani explained that he likes to play with an edge … that he thrives under the ire of his opponents.
“I’m gritty, I’m not going to back down from anyone,” he said.
“I think Calgary fans are really going to enjoy my game. I’m a Canadian boy and I know what it’s like playing in Canada … I know it can get a little wild and I’m all for it.
“I’m a very happy guy off the ice, always got a smile on my face, but when the game rolls around it gets pretty serious for me out there and I like for that to be known.”
Damiani expects to see a few familiar faces within the Calgary organization when he arrives this week.
He assisted on Joel Hanley’s first NHL goal in 2021-22 while playing with the Dallas Stars. (Hanley was claimed off Waivers by the Flames on March 5.)
His former teammate in Texas, Artem Grushnikov, was acquired by the Flames on Feb. 29 and has played in four games with the Wranglers to date.
Damiani also has familiarity with fellow Wranglers’ centre Cole Schwindt, as the two crossed paths often when they played junior hockey in the OHL - Damiani for the Kitchener Rangers and Schwindt for the Mississauga Steelheads.
“I know Grush and Schwinny pretty well,” explained Damiani. “It definitely makes it a little easier seeing some familiar faces coming in, guys who can show you around and show you the ropes, so I’m looking forward to getting in and getting going.”
