Here's one opinion on the trade from Todd Cordell:
I'll start with the move Calgary *did* make, rather than the one(s) they didn't. That, of course, was acquiring defenseman Oscar Fantenberg from Los Angeles for a 4th round pick in 2020.
In a vacuum, I have no problem with the deal. I kind of like it. Fantenberg brings little to the table offensively, however, his shot and chance suppression numbers were very good in Los Angeles. He's a defensive-minded guy who actually contributes positively in that area, rather than one who spends all of his shifts chasing play in the defensive zone (Erik Gudbranson, for example). He's 27, he has a little playoff experience in the NHL, quite a bit of it in the SHL, and his style of play nicely compliments the younger, more offensive-gifted players he'll partner with on the 3rd pairing any time he is in the lineup.
Would I have been comfortable with two of Rasmus Andersson, Juuso Valimkai and/or Oliver Kylington playing every night? Yes. In fact, I'd probably prefer it. With that said, Fantenberg can play a little and the cost of acquisition was very little. I have no problem with bringing him in for added depth. If the Flames are to go on a deep run, as hoped and perhaps expected, they're probably going to need seven or eight defenders capable of at least treading water. Fantenberg has a better chance of doing so than Dalton Prout.
My only hope is the Flames don't force the issue with Fantenberg and sit a kid or two every night simply because they dealt a pick for him. If he is going to take some playing time away, it has to be earned.
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