My view is that the Flames felt that Hamilton (and for sure Brodie) were propped up by playing with Gio, and the Flames felt they could cash out and trade Hamilton while his value was high and get stronger elsewhere.
If Brodie can return to his previous form by playing with Gio again, you all of sudden strengthened the team in a number of ways.
The thinking is that Hanifin and the Gio version of Brodie is as good or better than Hamilton and the non-Gio version of Brodie. Because the non-Gio version of Brodie was truly awful.
Lindholm then becomes an obvious upgrade over Ferland.
The fact that Hanifin and Lindholm should shortly be signed to contracts with longer control, is a bonus.
It's funny that I truly believe that Brodie's ability to reclaim his previous form playing with Gio is likely the key to this deal panning out favourably for the Flames.
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