Quote:
Originally Posted by flameswin
I think it's pretty clear the Hamilton signing wasn't a shot across the bow, but rather a standard contract negotiation.
Calling it a shot across the bow would be suggesting that Dougie's contract would have been higher expect the Flames decided to send a message to Mark Giordano and is agent and colluded with Dougie Hamilton to sign a cheaper deal.
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I think shot across the bow is the wrong terminology, but it certainly removes a TON of leverage from the Giordano camp.
Calgary went out and grabbed a young top pairing defender. Now that they have Brodie AND Hamilton, their need for top pairing defenders is significantly reduced.
Calgary has also set the rate for their top pairing players: Under 6 million for both Hamilton and Brodie, inspite of their term.
If Giordano is looking for 25% more cash, well, he'd better be 25% better of a player.
Make no mistake about it, Calgary acquired Hamilton because guys like that just aren't available very often, but they also acquired him they are less dependent on Giordano now and in the future.