[belsarius]

My gut reaction with Lazar was too much, but after looking at the trade for 20 minutes it made a lot more sense to me. In a year where Burke called a 2nd more like a third and the Flames will hopefully have that pick in the bottom half of the round reduces it even more. I get the idea that the pick might turn into a great player, but chances are really small, and if BT sees something in Lazar than now was the time to buy.

As secretive as Burke can be I find BT very upfront with his vision and wasn't a fan of the "does this move Bennett to the wing" question yesterday. They've said all along Bennett is progressing how they want him, focusing on the defensive side of the puck, and a project isn't going to replace the progress he's made. What Lazar does bring though is more versatility. Having a winger who can play center and take faceoffs is worth a lot. Not only for a thrown out draw but you have to think random players are going to be injured and having a guy to fill multiple roles is essential.

I'm disappointed Wideman is still a Flame, I was hoping they had a deal in place to get rid of him for anything. But the fact that after 60 games they have figured out that Wideman and Jokipakka weren't the solution and that Chaisson is really a bottom 9 player.

Solid moves that gives up very little body wise, shores up needs and uses picks for players that help now and can be future parts instead of rentals gives BT a A- for this deadline in my book. Dealing with Wideman would have given the full marks, but you can't deal without a partner.