Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post - [Trade] Russell to the Stars for Jokipakka, Pollock & 2nd (becomes 1st if conf finals)

Calgary4LIfe · 02-29-2016, 01:02 PM

I really think Russell was under-appreciated here. I think he is a fine defencemen, and was an underrated offensive guy. Problem with him was that he is undersized, and was used as the 'defensive presence' being paired with Wideman and then Hamilton. My only complaint about him is his inability to win board battles enough - though he was a warrior and often did indeed come away with the puck against bigger guys. However, he just got rag-dolled in the corner against guys like Getzlaf.

Jokipakka will be an upgrade of sorts on him I think. Hopefully he does better on the boards, and judging him from his stats, I would guess he is more of a defensive-first kind of guy who will fit with Hamilton better. He is also younger, and apparently is a good puck-mover. I still think that Russell is the better defencemen, but the the 'fit' I think is going to be better with Jokipakka.

Add in Pollock and the conditional first (guaranteed 2nd), and I think the Flames did very well here. Was still hoping for the Flames to add (and probably, quite a lot) to grab Nichushkin or find another high-end young player/prospect, but teams really hate to give up those guys anyways.

I like the trade, and I suspect I will like it more as time goes on. I still think Russell will be looked upon in the league differently as I do think he will be counted upon to drive the offence a bit more rather than be counted upon to be the defensive guy on a pairing - but time will tell as I have no idea who Russell will end up being paired with or what his responsibilities will be.

I think this was really good for the Flames, and really good for Russell.

02-29-2016, 01:02 PM	#498
Calgary4LIfe Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Exp:	I really think Russell was under-appreciated here. I think he is a fine defencemen, and was an underrated offensive guy. Problem with him was that he is undersized, and was used as the 'defensive presence' being paired with Wideman and then Hamilton. My only complaint about him is his inability to win board battles enough - though he was a warrior and often did indeed come away with the puck against bigger guys. However, he just got rag-dolled in the corner against guys like Getzlaf. Jokipakka will be an upgrade of sorts on him I think. Hopefully he does better on the boards, and judging him from his stats, I would guess he is more of a defensive-first kind of guy who will fit with Hamilton better. He is also younger, and apparently is a good puck-mover. I still think that Russell is the better defencemen, but the the 'fit' I think is going to be better with Jokipakka. Add in Pollock and the conditional first (guaranteed 2nd), and I think the Flames did very well here. Was still hoping for the Flames to add (and probably, quite a lot) to grab Nichushkin or find another high-end young player/prospect, but teams really hate to give up those guys anyways. I like the trade, and I suspect I will like it more as time goes on. I still think Russell will be looked upon in the league differently as I do think he will be counted upon to drive the offence a bit more rather than be counted upon to be the defensive guy on a pairing - but time will tell as I have no idea who Russell will end up being paired with or what his responsibilities will be. I think this was really good for the Flames, and really good for Russell.