There are a few things about this that I find really interesting.
Firstly, we can all guess from O'Brien's icetime that the Flames didn't think very highly of him. When Smid was acquired, Feaster made mention about not being happy with his bottom pairing, and how little ice they see. I am sure before O'Brien was placed on waivers today, that Burke has been in contact with all the other 29 teams in the NHL to see if there was any interest at all. This organization is still very tight-lipped, as I haven't ran across any O'Brien related rumors that he is available.
I am just curious to see as to what happens now. I am shocked his equipment is gone - and for me, the only logical conclusion is that the Flames know he will be claimed. Perhaps 1 or 2 of the teams told Burke that they will take him on waivers.
I see no reason why he wouldn't be the 7th defencemen on the team moving forward until his contract was up. That is a position that has no regards to ongoing development - would rather he be the 7th defencemen, rather than Breen, or anyone else that could even POTENTIALLY develop. Smith was fine as a 7th D given his age.
So, either the Flames KNOW he is gone, or he has said/done something to really piss off the management enough to make sure he is nowhere near the team. Or I am reading way too much into it.
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