Not the worst trade that Feaster has made (or at least attempted to make) but it feels like this did slightly more damage than it did good. With Tanguay's contract being what it is, I doubt that he has much value right now, but I can also see him bouncing back with the Av's and putting up another 60ish point season. I guess we'll never know if he could be capable of doing that with the Flames this year had he not been traded, but I think it would have at least been worth the gamble. Tell him the only way he gets moved is if he puts up a good 60 games with the Flames and then get moved at the deadline, or he can rot here while the team rebuilds and we use his salary to stay above the cap floor. Perhaps that's harsh, but I would prefer that over moving him for two players on negative value contracts that don't really address any current needs (we need size AND skill, not just talentless size).
All that aside, I think that years from now, we will look back at Feaster and realize that he is one of the most important figures in the franchise's history. The work that he is doing right now is basically ensuring that we are a bottom feeder for at least the next 2 years, and gives us a huge edge in being able to draft Connor McDavid in 2015. When you consider that we likely get a top 3 draft position in 2014 (which looks to be very strong as well), I can see us being a Stanley Cup contender by 2017. Without Feaster and his horrible trades/signings/asset management, this is not even a remote possibility, so while it hurts to read about his blunders right now, I think it will be worth it in the not too distant future. Hang in there guys, the payoff is coming!
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