I'm naturally pessimistic with these trades. I have to say I'm not sold on this one, but I'm keeping an open mind. The Hamilton trade was a case in point where I felt the cost was too high and now I think he's arguably our best defenseman.
If the Flames do well the next two years, it helps not only the return, but the cost. A 27th overall pick is a vastly different pick from a 5th overall. You need to gamble to get better, and I know Treliving is smarter than me, but we have no picks in the first 3 rounds next year. That won't hurt next year, the year after, or maybe even the year after that, but it will thin the replacements at some point. If the Flames do well enough that the picks are in the late 20's, this trade is a steal. If they finish bottom 10 and draft high it's really not worth it IMO.
|