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Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy
Jokipakka with 23:13 tonight, and he looked pretty good IMO.
He's strong, a good skater, passes well, smart defensively and doesn't panic at all. Jim Nill is by all accounts a real smart hockey man, so that trade really has me wondering. I liked Russell, but given age, size, cap hit if I'm the Flames I make that trade straight up Russell for Jokipakka, never mind getting the pick and prospect to boot.
Joni Ortio. getting stronger with each game. I mean damn he's looking good. Starting to gobble up the puck more and more. Question for Erick Estrada, I know you've stated you have someone in the know who's informed you Ortio is not part of the future plans in CGY, any chance they change their minds? From what I've seen recently they really should IMO.
Boy can Nakladal rip the puck. He's a work in progress, but has been decent. Could be a solid bottom pairing guy, I hope the Flames re-sign him.
Wotherspoon has looked decent too. Hopefully he continues to establish himself as an every day NHL D-man. Can't have too many of those ever.
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Russell is not a slouch. He gets a lot of flak on these boards because "blocking a lot of shots means you aren't controlling the puck", but Russell has a lot of good qualities, besides shot blocking. He will help the Stars.
Did the Flames win the trade? Absolutely. A pick and a roster player for Russell is great. But it's not like Dallas was fleeced. Russell is a low priced, top 4 defenceman. Dallas got a good player in return for Jokipakka who may or may not pan out to be a top 4 guy. Personally, I think he will.