You can no longer just build your team by plugging in "Number 1 D, Number 1 RW" etc etc
The Flames have a ton of money tied up in their top 3 D. Signing Stone, and trading for Hamonic makes the money allocation by position a little lopsided.
Is Hamonic over Stone going to make the Flames that much better that its worth giving up a 1st and a prospect? I'm not convinced. Yeah sure Stone probably isn't a bona fide top 4 D, but he's no slouch either and he really solidified the top 4 last year.
We're already a little thin on draft pick and prospect depth, so why not get Stone for free and then draft a decent prospect?
The Flames' fortunes will be decided by the likes of Monahan, Gaudreau, Gio, Hamilton Brodie and Smith. Not Stone vs Hamonic.
Edit: Sorry, Stone won't technically be free...5th rounder.
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