Reading the HF thread it has turned into the fanbases trashing on their former players to prop up the return for their team but there are a few sane people there calling this a win-win trade which I absolutely think it is. Really teams can only go all in around that $10M range with 3 forwards (Leafs are trying with 3). I would rank the Barkov-Tkachuk pairing as one of the absolute best of any team in the league when you factor in the age and the fact these 8 year deals are just kicking in.
Florida was nearing the decision point with 2 of its players. Huberdeau and Weegar were entering the last year of sweetheart contracts and both need extensions or enter the market. Florida jumped at the chance to acquire a 24 year old rare type of player because he became available. They could sign him from 24-32 for similar or even less money than they had to pay the guy turning 30. Similar with Weegar but he is 29 when his extension kicks in. They had to include an average prospect and a 1st to secure their core up front for the next 8 years. I think in that right it is a win for them.
The Flames are told their homegrown star player and best of their top 10 picks during the Treebuild is planning on leaving as soon as he can so it is a 1 year or trade him now scenario. He is really only interested in 5 or so teams so nearly 85% of the market is out of the running and it is rumored a couple of teams do not have the ability due to the cap. Because Florida sees something they want they make it happen by giving the Flames the 4th highest scoring player over the last 4 years, and a top pairing Dman who plays well at both ends of the ice. Because they have a year left each they also include a pick and a prospect. The Flames acted appropriately and signed the centerpiece of the deal to the same contract they offered the play making left wing who just bolted for Ohio. By all accounts the Flames likely make Weegar a long term core member of the team as well. They turn a limited market into 2 core pieces of the team and some futures.
I think this is the definition of a win-win trade. I wanted Tkachuk to be here for 8 years and wear the C but since that didn’t happen I am extremely pleased with the trade return and fully support the long term deal handed out to Huberdeau.
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