"A routine day off at home with the kids turned anything but Friday morning for Calgary Flames defenceman Cory Sarich.Appearing as an analyst on Sportsnet 960, retired Flames rearguard Rhett Warrener reported that Sarich had asked for a trade. At that precise moment, Sarich's cellphone blew up.

Well, not literally.

"I was caught a little bit by surprise," Sarich said Saturday after the morning skate in Edmonton. "People started texting me left and right. Usually, I don't generate that much interest."

Frustrated with life as a frequent healthy scratch, the 33-year-old Sarich indeed met with Jay Feaster more than a week ago to talk about his situation in Calgary.

Reading between the lines, the topic of trade came up among many other things.

"We discussed a wide variety of topics," Sarich said. "It was initiated by me, because I just wanted to be open and honest with him. I really wanted to express to him that I want to contribute to this team. I want to be part of this team.

"I feel like I can fill a role."

On the cusp of a youth movement, the Flames dressed three rookies Saturday in T.J. Brodie, Derek Smith and Joe Piskula. Sarich watched the game from the press box.

In 15 games this season, Sarich has one assist and 25 penalty minutes. Make no mistake: playing spectator drives this guy nuts.

"I definitely did not demand to be traded," he said. "As long as I'm in Calgary, I want to be here, I want to contribute . . .

"I know there's a lot of young guys around here who are getting a chance, and that is part of the hockey business. I'm just trying to stay ready now for whenever I get a chance to play. So that's my main focus right now.""