This is a ratio changer.
Hartley has identified a need to dress and play Jackman and McGratton and Obrien when they are playing any team that will bully the smaller Flames . The Gio replacement minutes on the Flames are all small player minutes with Russell, Butler and Billins. That forced the Jackman increase in ice time.
It is very important that Monahan and Baertschi do not get physically dominated pushed around in their younger years.
It is hugely important that the new Flame philosophy of play hard every game does not get sidetracked by a physical beating.
Smid will be on the ice more than Jackman, McGrattan and OBrien combined.
When Gio comes back with Gio, Wideman and Smid the Flames will be back to having an average (or maybe a bit above average ) NHL tough defense that will be hard to play against.
I would not have imagined that Edmonton with virtually the same lineup problems as the Flames .... too small and soft would move their toughest D-man. Smid was a hugely important Oiler.
The best explanation is that the Oilers are tanking on purpose. Going for a lottery pick.
I want Smid to play as a Flame before the league rules that the trade is too lop-sided and remove the ability of Lowe/McTavish to make trades for the good of the league.
3 firsts a 7th and back to a top 3 pick (2014) in 5 years....... That is embarrassing for any pro league to have a team that poorly managed.
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