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A potential trade target, Russell will be game-time decision for Flames

Kris Russell

EDMONTON , AB - SEPTEMBER 21: at Rexall Place on September 21, 2015 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.(Photo by Dan Riedlhuber/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** McDavid;

Dan Riedlhuber

Flames defenseman Kris Russell will be a game-time decision tonight in Calgary against the Islanders.

Russell has missed the last five games with a lower-body injury. The 28-year-old has four goals and 11 assists in 51 games while averaging 22:52 of ice time. His 174 blocked shots are the second most in the NHL behind Colorado’s Francois Beauchemin (191).

He’s also a pending unrestricted free agent who may or may not be traded prior to Monday’s deadline.

There is a wide range of opinions on Russell.

Some think he’s got significant value:

Some do not:

Regardless, he may be tough for the Flames to re-sign, as they’ve already got Mark Giordano, Dougie Hamilton, T.J. Brodie, Dennis Wideman and Deryk Engelland under contract through at least next season.

Russell’s current cap hit is $2.6 million.

The Flames have two games prior to Monday’s 3 p.m. ET deadline -- tonight and Saturday (versus Ottawa).