Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan
I haven't read this thread. I'm going to be in the minority, but I love this deal.
Hamilton just didn't have that extra gear. I never saw it. I never felt that he gave any extra effort on any given night. While he has elite talents, he doesn't have that drive necessary to become an elite player and a driver of the team. This is all based on personal observations of his demeanor and play on the ice, so obviously it's a pretty weak opinion based on evidence, but I still believe this to be true. I think the culture shift began and ended with a guy like Hamilton. Points are great, and I know we're starved for offense, but I really think this team's problems are about chemistry and mental fortitude rather than just skill.
I like Ferland, but he's terribly inconsistent. When he's on, he's freakin' scary. When he's off, he's barely noticeable. He's off way more than he's on. While he might turn into something better than a 15 goal 30 point power forward, I think that last year's season is probably his career year. Selling high on Ferland is a smart, smart move by Treliving.
Fox has great tools, and he can dominate the college level, but I've watched him (in limited viewings) and his skating turns me off. I don't think he can skate nearly well enough to be an effective NHLer. Just my opinion, but his acceleration is terrible, his top speed is just meh, and he doesn't have the balance or edging you need to be a great offensive defenseman in the NHL. His vision and passing are off the charts. His hockey IQ is great. It might get him to the league, but I don't know for how long. I think he's the 4th best defensive prospect we have after Valimaki, Andersson, and Kylington. I'm not going to sweat losing our 4th best defense prospect.
Lindholm is a high IQ center/winger who already puts up 40 points a year and is still very young. I don't know what he'll become, but if he stays there that's still good enough for me. If he improves some and becomes a 50-60 point guy. That's a major shot in the arm to the offense.
Hanifin is the lynchpin to the whole thing. IF he turns out as projected, this is a major homerun. If he doesn't become much more than he is right now, that's still ok because of the defense depth we have.
We basically got two young stars in the making for a star defenseman with questionable work ethic/motivation, an inconsistent 3rd line power forward, and our 4th best defense prospect. I'm ok with this deal. I think it's pretty even.
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