Flames' Xhekaj Interest Cools After D-Man Acquisition

Calgary's pursuit of Arber Xhekaj has apparently fizzled after the Flames acquired a 6-foot-3 defenseman, suggesting the organization found its solution elsewhere on the trade market. The move indicates that GM Cliff Richardson either found a comparable option or determined that Xhekaj's asking price no longer made sense given their new acquisition. This kind of mid-pursuit pivot is common in the NHL when teams identify alternative paths to addressing the same roster need.