Akim Aliu
Much-travelled forward Akim Aliu has found another new home, this time with the Calgary Flames.
The Nigerian-born right winger was acquired by the Flames on Monday from the Winnipeg Jets, who received defenceman John Negrin. Ironically, Aliu and Negrin had been playing together for the Flames' American Hockey League affiliate, the Abbotsford Heat. Aliu was on loan to the Heat by the Jets.
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Aliu was a second-round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2007 but has bounced between the AHL and ECHL since 2008. Aliu is best remembered for an on-ice fight in practice with Steve Downie when the two were teammates with the OHL's Windsor Spitfires. The fight had its roots in a hazing incident that resulted in the firing of former head coach Moe Mantha.
In his 13 games with Abbotsford this season, Aliu has four goals, one assist and 12 penalty minutes.