First, I thought there must be more returning, but I think the trade tells you a lot about Hamilton. Obviously the Flames don't like something about Hamilton, maybe attitude or defensive liability. They wouldn't trade a a big 25 yr old RH big defenseman that led the league in goals if they didn't have some big issues with him on or off the ice.
Obviously they felt the chances of Fox not signing with Calgary was too high so he was on the trade block. Once he was available it pretty much tells the other teams that the Flames are worried he wouldn't re-sign so that hurts the value.
I would have liked for Ferland to stay, because the Flames need the depth on forwards, but with one year left before UFA his value wouldn't be the greatest.
With Hanifin and Lindholm they have a chance to sign these guys to 6+ year deals. They both should be big parts of the team going forward.
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