Quote:
Originally Posted by traptor
Hanifin is a really good player.
7.5x8 is a slight overpay but he will probably live up to the contract.
That doesn't mean it's a good fit for the Flames at this time.
A d-core of Hanifin, Weegar, Andersson and Kylington is a solid group. A bit of a microcosm of the flames. Good throughout but no elite talent.
This D-core backed by Markstrom will stop us from bottoming out. We probably won't even get a top 10 pick.
But is it enough to be a contender? All I see is another 16th-22nd place team for the next few years if we re-sign Hanifin and keep Markstrom.
|
I think he'll get $7.5 million per from his next team, or close to it anyway. He might have to settle for a 7 year contract though if he can't come to terms with the Flames, either to stay or as a sign and trade.
Let's face it, there is a "Canada tax" and small market Canadian teams usually have to pay a little bit more. The options are to never sign a player into their UFA years, or pay the fee.
I agree with others. Hanifin's age and style of play makes signing him to an 8 year deal a reasonable risk. If we can keep him, we should, but ultimately, t's Hanifin's choice.