[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

And where I challenge this view is that you are looking at this season only.

With reasonable expectations for all the players, it is probably pretty even for this year, or, if there is little improvement from either player, the Canes maybe get a little more THIS YEAR.

However Lindholm and Hanifin are significantly younger than Hamilton and Ferland, and have, combined, substantially more upside.

Also, while the Flames will pay more this season (unless Hanifin signs a bridge deal), Hamilton and Ferland will cost more next season. We will have younger guys, with more upside, signed for longer, at less cost (or similar).

Unless Fox realizes his potential - and does so for the Canes, not as a free agent - this trade looks to be a pretty easy win for the Flames beyond this season.

Why do people keep saying this? Hamilton hasn't peaked and probably has a big career season ahead of him. Fox could be a 40-50 point defenseman. Ferland is what he is but on the right line can be a 15-20 goal player. Lindholm doesn't even had Bo Horvat offensive upside at this stage and I'm not sure he's every going to be a 60+ point guy. Hanifin was getting sheltered minutes and defensive play has always been a concern with him and while he's probably equal to Hamilton in the transition game he doesn't have the same offensive upside as Hamilton. Both players have upside but "more" upside than Hamilton and Fox? I don't think so as it's a pretty even trade in regards to upside.