Big Z is a stud. I'm sad to seem him go and at times this year was hopeful they'd sign him to an extension but it was not to be. A bit of a roller coaster on the ice. He is entertaining to watch and he comes across as an A+ person. I hope he does well in Vancouver and beyond, he deserves it.
Thank you Big Z! You were a good warrior!
The return does feel a little light but there's definitely more going on here than the draft capital. The extra cap space gives them lots more flexibility going forward. It also gives them an opportunity to give a player like Solovyov a longer look. Desimone got an extended look. Oesterle's getting another look. It seems obvious the team is looking to inject some puck movement to the back end of the roster and Solovyov isn't really that so moving Big Z opens up room for him.
Also removing a body that has actively said he doesn't want to be here has its merits too.
While it's certainly disappointing the return wasn't higher, such is life as a Flames fan. When the team wants to sell the market is soft and when they're in a position to buy, other teams are paying a premium. It is what it is. I can see the logic and reasoning for moving Big Z when they did, for what they did. The cap space will likely be a factor in the other UFA trades. The scouts have done a really good job at finding kids who can play later in the draft. This gives them a couple more shots at it and at the end of the day the only way any of this really turns around is for the team grab more picks and to continue drafting well.
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