Feaster said Bouw gave a list of teams and they engaged them all. Many did not have the cap space next year. That really limits the options. Two issues, the player and the contract.
At the draft, people have a lot of time left to improve their teams. Next year, he is a rental. So now is the time.
At 6.68, this guy had good elements to his game. Ability to jump in and get back. Ability to stay in position on the rush. And glaring holes. Ability to keep guys to the outside but inability to force them off the puck (often enough). Not tough in front. Not able to read the play (watching the puck while his guy slips away and in to a scoring position). The defensive lapses lost the Flames a lot of points in tight games.
It is hard to score against good defense. So even when he jumps in, he slightly increases the odds. But when he screws up, it kills.
So given the reality of the trade timing options, limited partners, and holes in his game at top dollar, this return is not bad at all.
Not sexy but well done by management.
|