I have to say I don't really mind this trade for Dallas either. Jokipakka apparently was probably gone anyway, Pollock seems like a fodder prospect that's nice to have around but not someone you'll miss, and the Flames were certainly going to get at least a 2nd rounder.
The conditional 1st is really the only thing that seems like overkill, but I guess they figure that if they make the conference finals and Russell plays at least 50% of the games, by definition he can't be that bad. I don't necessarily agree with that logic, but I can imagine that conversation making sense.
But they could end up paying a 1st rounder for a bottom pairing guy that's a regular healthy scratch just because the rest of their team is good. Seems weird to me.
Then again Russell is a mobile D-man with playoff experience that can put up some points. Sounds good when you put it that way.
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