Report: Deal 'Not Likely' On Monday

It appears that any trade between the New York Rangers and the Calgary Flames will have to wait at least another day.

According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie:

Jokinen/Prust for Higgins/Kotalik not expected to happen today and may not happen at all tho still possible this deal is done after game.

He also mentions that Olli Jokinen, one of the centerpieces in the deal, is expected to be in the lineup against Philadelphia on Monday evening. That simple fact alone could be what’s holding up the deal.

McKenzie again:

Sources tell TSN that while the Rangers thought they had the deal basically agreed to on Sunday night, the Flames weren’t ready to pull the trigger, in part, because they felt they needed Jokinen in the lineup tonight against Philadelphia in Calgary. There are reports that Kotalik isn’t prepared to waive his no-trade clause to go to Calgary but the indication is the Rangers were fully able and prepared to do this deal, but Calgary backed away at the last moment.

There are a few questions here. First off, how awkward is it playing for a team that you know is actively trying to trade you? And how awkward is it if the only thing holding a trade back is that your old team just wants you around as a weapon for one more game?

The other question that fans on both sides of the puck are asking this morning is just how Ales Kotalik managed to get a no-movement clause out of Rangers general manager Glen Sather.

As always, stick with SBNation.com, our Rangers blog Blueshirt Banter, and our Flames blog Matchsticks and Gasoline for the latest information and reaction.