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The Stars (35-17-9) are currently tied for first place in the Central Division with the Winnipeg Jets, who have four games in hand. Dallas ranks 14th in the NHL in goals against per game (3.03).
“We are fortunate to have the opportunity to add a player of Chris’ caliber to our team,” said Stars general manager Jim Nill. “He is a proven defenseman with postseason experience who is comfortable in all situations on the ice. “Chris is one of the best penalty takers in the NHL and he will be a big help to our special teams play.”
Grushnikov, 20, has five points (one goal, four assists) in 44 games with Texas of the American Hockey League this season. He was selected in the second round (No. 48) of the 2021 NHL Draft.
The Flames (29-25-5), who have won four in a row, are five points behind the Nashville Predators for the second wild card to the Western Conference playoffs.
“Obviously, Chris, what he’s meant to the organization and what he’s done for us over the four years, it’s never easy to let guys go, but we also knew it was something we had to do,” the GM said. the Flames, Craig Conroy. he told NHL.com. “Moving forward, we worked on a lot of calls with different teams to figure out what’s best for the Calgary Flames in what we’re trying to do and accomplish here. To be able to get Artem Grushnikov, he’s a young, defensive defenseman type “A 20-year-old who’s good on penalties, strong, just a solid all-around defender… I think he’s someone we’re happy to add to the group.”
The Devils (30-25-4) are five points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference with two games in hand.
NHL.com freelance correspondent Aaron Vickers contributed to this report.