Quote:
Originally Posted by bubbsy
flames could have likely gotten gilbert (maybe a few more bucks) who's play in florida did seem to indicate that he's got top4 worthy play in him.
|
The rumour is that they were interested in Gilbert and were planning on going hard after him. He signed with the Habs pretty early in the day, and Engelland was signed pretty late in the day.
Gilbert has played 7 full seasons in the NHL and has played in 5 playoff games. Over the last five seasons, he has played on the 30th overall team twice, and the 29th overall team twice (he got traded from the Oilers at the deadline, but played most of the season in Edmonton).
The Flames will likely finish near the bottom of the league again next season. The Habs will likely be in or fighting for a playoff spot all of next season, and will most likely be in at the end.
I bet the Flames did go hard after Gilbert, and probably offered him more money, but the desire to finally play for something resembling a contender won out. Engelland, on the other hand, has played the last five seasons on a contender and still hasn't seen much playoff action, so the money won out for him.