The market for Dan Hamhuis shrunk considerably, as Kris Russell has been dealt to the Dallas Stars with little over an hour to go before the trade deadline. The Calgary Flames are reported to have received Jyrki Jokipakka, Brett Pollock and a second-round pick in return for their impending UFA defender. That second-round selection becomes a first, should the Stars make the Western Conference Final this season.

Dallas was one of three teams connected to Hamhuis on the weekend. Much has been made of the debate over which player they preferred, but whether by price or preference, the writing is on the wall at this stage as they’ve opted for the former Flames defender.

Meet me on the other side of the jump for the impact this has on the Canucks ability to pursue a trade for their own rental piece.

That the Flames were able to extract so sizable a return, for so poor a player, bodes well for the return Vancouver should be able to extract out of Hamhuis. Best of all, it by no means spells the end of the Stars interest in the Canucks blue liner.

I remain skeptical of the Stars interest after an acquisition of this magnitude, but they can’t be ruled out. Another team that was connected to Hamhuis, after apparently withdrawing their interest, is the Washington Capitals. ESPN’s Pierre Lebrun reported that the Capitals have “kicked tires” on Hamhuis, which aligns with reports this weekend expressing their interest.

There have been rumblings of the Boston Bruins interest and the Los Angeles Kings shouldn’t be ruled out yet, either. The arms race is entering the home stretch, though, so the Canucks will have to make quick work to cash in on their best remaining trade chip.

We’ll provide updates as they’re made available.