Turns out Calgary captain Jarome Iginla played a role in the Flames' acquisition of star defenseman Dennis Wideman Wednesday. Knowing Wideman could have been contemplating seeing what he could get on the open market, the Flames had Iginla give him a call to let him know what he could expect if he decided to sign with the organization. "Jarome sold him on why this is a great place, a great ownership and a great fanbase," Calgary general manager Jay Feaster said. "The building's full every night and hockey matters."

Washington has traded Dennis Wideman to Calgary and he has signed a five-year, $26.25 million contract with the Flames. The potential unrestricted free agent defender was acquired for Jordan Henry and 2013 fifth-round draft pick. Wideman's new deal will earn an average annual salary of $5.25 million. He finished 10th in scoring among defensemen last season with 46 points, including 11 goals, in 82 games. Wideman also registered 113 hits and 132 blocked shots, while averaging 23:54 of ice time per contest.

It looks like Dennis Wideman will probably test the unrestricted free agent market. The Washington Capitals haven't made any progress towards re-signing Wideman. There won't be many appealing free agent defenseman on the market, so Wideman will likely attract a ton of interest if he doesn't re-sign with the Capitals.

Detroit Free Press reporter Helene St. James took a look at the reasons why the Detroit Red Wings might have some interest in defenseman Dennis Wideman. St. James points to Wideman's right-handed shot and offensive acumen as things that the Red Wings could absolutely use. On the other hand, she also points out that his defensive flaws means he'd probably need to be paired with a "stay at home" type.

Although Dennis Wideman is interested in re-signing with Washington, neither side seems to be in a rush to get anything done. "I haven't talked to my agent yet about what's going to happen," said Wideman. "Obviously, there's a lot going on with the CBA. I'll have a meeting with him in the next few weeks and see what's going on." Wideman is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing his four-year/$15,750,000 contract. He had 11 goals and 46 points in 82 games and figures to be one of the most desirable blueliners if he hits the market.

Pending unrestricted free agent Dennis Wideman is open to returning to the Washington Capitals next season. "Obviously, I like it here. I've had a lot of fun here in the last year," he said. "I like where we're going, the core group of guys is really, really good. So why not? I'd love to be back." Wideman had a rough showing in the playoffs, with no goals, three assists and a minus-7 rating in 14 games, but he enjoyed an excellent offensive regular season in 2011-12 while scoring 11 goals and 46 points in 82 contests. He also averaged 23:54 of ice time per game and posted 113 hits, with 132 blocked shots. Wideman could be a sought-after defenseman if he chooses to test the free agent waters.

The Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly interested in Dennis Wideman. It makes sense from the Blackhawks perspective to get a blueliner like Wideman who can, among other things, help them with the man advantage. That being said, we're not sure that the Capitals will trade Wideman while they still have hope of making the playoffs.

With 34 points on the season, Dennis Wideman is tied for third in scoring among all defensemen. Wideman is fifth among NHL defensemen with nine goals and has also registered 25 assists this season. Seventy-three defensemen were chosen ahead of Wideman in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Only three - Jay Bouwmeester (first defenseman chosen), Joni Pitkanen (second) and Duncan Keith (16th) - defensemen have scored more points than Wideman among those rearguards drafted that summer.

Dennis Wideman has been stripped of what would have been his first career hat trick. Wideman was initially credited with three goals and an assist on Friday. However, upon further review, the NHL has decided that his last goal went off of teammate Brooks Laich. Consequently, Laich will get the goal while Wideman will be given two goals and two assists.

Defenseman Dennis Wideman notched the first three-goal hat trick of his career and added an assist to lead the Washington Capitals to a 4-2 victory over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs Friday night. Wideman was playing in his 481st NHL game Friday night. It was also only the third hat trick for a defenseman in Capitals history. Wideman doubled his season total to six goals Friday night. His assist, his 13th this season, came on Nicklas Backstrom's 11th goal of the season. All four of Washington's goals were produced on power plays.