Calgary, AB – Former Calgary Royal alumnus TJ Galiardi had designs on becoming a member of the Calgary Flames.
He didn't envision it happening quite so quickly, though.
The local product and former member of the Calgary Hitmen was surprised — and thrilled — he had the opportunity to join his hometown team on Tuesday.
“I don't think it's still fully sunk in that I'm going to be on the Flames,” said Galiardi, who also signed a one-year deal with Calgary. “It's been a dream of mine ever since I was a little kid. I think ever since I got into the NHL, I've always had a soft spot for the Flames even though I was playing against them. I always figured when the time came when I was an unrestricted free agent I would try my best to make it to Calgary.
“The fact that it happened this soon and when I was a restricted free agent, it's great.”
He was caught off guard that his name was on the trade block.
Galiardi was even more surprised when he found out the Flames had an interest in the former Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks forward who had five goals and 14 points in 36 games.
From there, the move was academic.