One of the issues plaguing the Flames for most of the season was how much the team (especially the forward group) were getting banged up. With a lot of natural talent on the roster, there was not enough physicality to balance it out. Opposing teams were taking liberties with the Flames' lesser physical players. While in most cases the team's ability to outskate their opponents got them out of injury trouble, they were in effect allowing the game to chase them instead of them chasing the game. At the deadline, GM Nagle addressed the teams most glaring need: physicality and intensity.

"We picked up guys like Hamill, Larsson, Despres to give us a longer term solution in the physicality department. Jesse Puljujarvi gives us not only some physical attributes, but he also is very talented. He will be an ace on our top two lines for many years to come. And Burish, well, let's just say he's our policeman out there for the short term. Sure, many GM's out there shy away from the rough stuff, but Adam gives us that intimidation factor. Don't take a run at our guys!"