Not gonna lie, Hamilton and Ferland were my 2nd and 3rd most favorite players for the Flames. That being said, I woke up and seen the trade and was upset.
After I read 1000+ posts lol, from an asset management standpoint, the trade rocks. You get a better forward for a way longer period of time. You get a D-man that is projected to be better overall than Hamilton (fewer goals against is a good thing too.)
From a fan standpoint, I've warmed up to it and definitely like it. Dougie was soft and always made soft plays. He never had an edge to him. Offensively I enjoyed his game, but he's a DEFENSEman. Hanafin should be able to come close to Hamilton's output, if not, I'm sure he can be better defensively. So I consider it an offset overall skill wise. A positive with asset management and locker room chemistry in mind.
I always thought Ferland could become a premier power forward 40+ point player, but for every incredible game, he would have, the next 4 it seemed like he couldn't figure ANYTHING out. Then he would tease you with a streak as if he figured it out. None the less, it seems like he couldn't keep up with first-line duties. He COULD be a 2nd line RW, but more likely a 3rd/4th liner. Lindholm is a better overall player and is more versatile which is useful in itself. If he gets a stronger more powerful shot, which if anything is something you have full control over as a player, then he should easily put up 20 with nasty passes coming from Johnny & Mony. Or even Chuk & Backs.
No point debating fox. Took a step back but so did his team, needs work, and wasn't likely to sign.
IMO A good hockey trade, a rarity. I honestly put it at 50/50.
I Do think the Flames got better as a team as of now and the future, so I consider it a win solely based off of that.
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