The Hamilton trade really puts the Flames in a far better position in negotiations with Giordano.
If I were Treliving, I'd be keen to see how things unfold through the first third of the season before inking any deal with Gio. That would give the Flames a chance to see how Gio has recovered from his injury, and how he would likely fit in to the defence going forward given the emergence of Brodie and the addition of Hamilton. The alternative - signing Gio to big money when (a) he may not perform at the same level as last year due to injury and (b) he may be the 3rd most valuable defenceman on the team as soon as this year - seems rather a less good idea.
Hopefully they just find a reasonable number and term with a front-loaded contract - something that keeps him affordable or at least movable in a few years.
|