Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction
He was fine and even exceeded expectations, but he isn't someone you want blocking a prospect at this point. If he is a number 7 or 8 that doesn't dress every game, then fine. You don't want prospects eating popcorn, but I hope the plan isn't to have him as a regular.
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He was a pretty good #4 for the Flames last year. If Andersson is traded and you don't sign Hanley/UFA LD then you have to put in Parekh + another prospect/Bean in your top 4. It might be setting a guy like Kuznetsov for failure. IMO Hanley wouldn't be the guy blocking a prospect, that would be Miromanov, Bean, and Pachal. If a prospect has a good camp one of them will be moved to make a spot.
Also as shown last year Hanley was the ultimate pro. He started the year as the #7/8 D. He kept working. Once he got in the lineup he excelled. Hanley - Weegar was one of the top pairings in the league with 57%xG. That's the same as Harley - Heiskanen, and even slightly better than Towes - Makar.
I really have a hard time seeing a downside in signing Hanley to a 2-3 year contract.