Quote:
Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
Only Brad knows but if I'm him and I committing that much of my bosses money and term that affects the salary cap, I'm doing it because I think he's a good player and is going to be a quality asset and not a guy or contract that's bad enough to get passed on by an expansion team as that contract is a reflection of my work. I always felt Gio was going to get exposed going back to last year so it was never a surprise to me because it always made the most sense. There are no guarantees when players get on the back half of 35 and the Flames were probably going year to year with him.
I actually think everything played out for the best as if he declines badly in Seattle it's not going to be a major burden on that team or fan base and it saves the Flames from that awkward situation of having to bench or demote their captain. If he has a good season it's a win for him as the Seattle fans will love him while for the Flames even if he's okay he could be part of another disappointing Flames season if everything doesn't go right.
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I don't think we're saying a lot different.
At Giordano's age it was always expected that he'd fall off on this contract. The fact that it only happened for a half (mini) season before rebounding in year five is pretty impressive.
But if he hits the wall you expose him.
If Tanev turns out to be even better than expected that just raises the Giordano bar to protect him, which is what happened.
Bottom line ... it took a good free agent signing to make the Giordano exit happen, not poor expansion draft planning.