Ya I know Butler played well for the last half year of his 3 years here and a lot of folks like him now but I am in the 6th/7th defenceman camp too. He is serviceable and could play as a 4/5 if you are desperate but the only thing I really like about his game was shot blocking (and stepping up in the line brawl in Vancouver). Basically for me, trying for 4 months didn't erase 2.5 years of half assing it. I am happy to see him go.
Gilbert would be OK. The flames are basically looking for a placeholder for this spot and you could do worse - realistically we probably have to admit the last couple dmen coming in to the roster will be pretty poor unless Treliving gives up young assets.
Placeholder probably needs 2 or 3 years of service in them as our prospect depth at D is very poor and it will probably take another draft or two to start building up some bench strength there.
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