Quote:
Originally Posted by gvitaly
For all the signing supporters, a few questions- Do you see Engelland as a player a team will want to trade for next summer? Would they even consider picking him off waivers if he ended up on them?
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He had his pick of 10 teams that were interested in him, no reason that should change substantially after one year (some teams will fill the need elsewhere, some won't, some new teams will get the need).
Quote:
Originally Posted by gvitaly
The reason I am asking is because we have 6 (5+brodie RFA) NHL defenseman signed for the next 2 seasons. If we acquire a defenseman to upgrade our defense or simply a prospect makes it to the NHL, which one of those defenseman becomes the odd man out? and how easy would it be to send that person to a different team?
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Well part of the reason for the signing is the team doesn't feel that there are prospects that will be NHL ready as quickly as there are for the forwards, so the likelihood of that scenario is low (at least that's what the GM said).
Which one becomes the odd man out depends a lot on the kind of incoming D. Looking at the insane prices D command year after year, I think moving a D to make room is easier than moving a forward. But even if not, worst case they'd bury one in the minors or eat some salary in a trade or buy him out.
But again given that he's a right hand shot and the interest in him today, unless he falls off the map ability wise there's probably going to be a market for him in a year's time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gvitaly
I trust in the Flames management, and I am trying to justify this trade, but I just can't. Personally I am not even sure what makes him such a leader? his play on the ice sure didn't seem to suggest anything out of the ordinary.
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Well, it's not a trade, as GGG says the opportunity cost is zero. Engelland SMASH! is the justification (well that plus 12 minutes a night playing D, and making sure we get to and stay at the cap floor).
The GM, coach, and Hockey Ops President all talked to him, they talked to those around him. Leadership has little to do with being an extraordinary player.