I was on the fence on this one at first but after the interview with Brad, I came away feeling a lot better.
Hamilton
- He mentioned twice he's a "good player" but avoided adding the usual "quality person" off the ice comments we often hear.
- Said he wouldn't comment on the other "things".
- He even mentioned factoring in the off ice stuff into these deals.
// clearly Hamilton had to go and was likely a root of the problems the team had
Ferland
- coming up on UFA
- streaky player
- likely overvalued since we are so weak on the wings.
// moving him out while the value was still high
Fox
- clearly he wasn't going to sign with us.
// selling an asset we dont own and were not going to own anyways lowers the bargaining chip value
So we're getting back two young players who have yet to scratch the surface of their potential (Brad's words) has me optimistic.
Another intangible is adding players from a team where your new coach who has a very good read of the quality and type of players they are is another advantage. Most trades don't allow you that insight and we remove alot of variables. Carolina does not have anyone standing on their side from the Flames side and would not be prevy to the dressing room/character issues we are aware of.
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