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Originally Posted by mrdonkey
Sure it's more than you want to pay for your #5 but we're also paying Hamonic much less than you want to pay your #4. That's the kind of flexibility Hamonic's deal allows the Flames to capitalize on. And Stone is a very, very good #5.
I'm certainly not going to lose any sleep over paying for Stone if it means the Flames enter the season with a blueline that's right up there with Anaheim and Nashville.
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Pretty much this. Shrewd deals at other roster spots have enabled the Flames to put together the deepest blue line in the NHL. Looking at the way the NHL is going, and at the value of defencemen in trades, this is a smart use of cap space. Better than signing an ageing winger.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashasx
The biggest reason why I don't like this is it blocks the path for somebody like Andersson.
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Obviously the Flames braintrust feels that a window is opening for the team, and their prime concern is icing the best lineup. There's one blue-line spot for the prospects to fight over for the next couple years. Andersson is 20. It won't hurt him to play another season in the AHL. If a couple guys make big pushes, the Flames can move a veteran - other than Brodie they're all signed to reasonable deals.