Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
- I am not sure how you manage to conclude on the one hand that 26-year-old Micheal Ferland is on the verge of breaking out, while 23-year-old Elias Lindholm "probably doesn't have another level."
- It is incredibly shortsighted to set one's expectations to a window that ends with Gaudreau's current contract, and moreover to claim that "this team will be nothing without him." Tkachuk and Hanifin are both trending to be elite-level players, Sean Monahan is already one of the best young centres in the entire NHL, and Lindholm is young enough and skilled enough that he could also yet enter that conversation. It is interesting to note that while the Flames maintained a respectable 6-3-1 record while Gaudreau was shelved in late 2016 for ten games, the team utterly crumbled to the tune of 2-5-0 when Monahan was shut down this past season. Gaudreau is a terrific player, but I think a strong case can be made that Monahan might be the most important forward on the team.
- I don't understand the counter argument that portrays Adam Fox's inclusion in this trade as a throw-in. Of course he has value, but I suspect it is being badly overinflated by some fans. What value do you imagine that Fox has on his own?
- I don't believe this trade made the Flames worse. I think it changed the complexion of their defense, while boosting the potency of the scoring group. I continue to view Lindholm as a more useful player than Ferland.
- I personally think that there is a very good chance Gaudreau re-signs in Calgary. He participates every summer in the Stampede Parade, and is one of the few players (the only player?) to make the trip in from out of town to do so. He is frequently used by the team to recruit free agents, and is often reported as one of the first to welcome new players to the team. That sounds like an invested player. Not one that is counting the days before he can fly the coop as a UFA.
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I couldn't have said it better myself. I think that Fox was the reason Carolina signed this deal, considering that Ferland is a UFA in one year with a high probability of not re-signing with the team. In a year, Hamilton + a decent prospect (if he signs) looks like a better return for two young top five picks than just Hamilton.