I would assume that the Flames felt that Hague has enough tools that he would have grown in Calgary's organization. From that standpoint, it does make sense.
From a different standpoint, maybe Hague was simply the best of what scraps Vegas was willing to kick-in on the Rasmus trade (assuming the 1st was in the deal, which I assume it was), much like Miromanov was. Either way, if that was his contract demands, then the Flames would have been paying him based on potential. I guess we will see how Hague develops in Nashville - although they have had a lot of changes, they have been known as being a defencemen factory. Maybe we will be kicking ourselves in hindsight, or maybe we will be relieved that we dodged a bullet.
I am all for just taking picks and prospects - and dead cap for a sweetener. I would rather the prospects be given a chance to percolate through and get some reps in at the NHL level. Regardless of what people like to say, the NHL is indeed a development league - players develop all the time at the NHL level, especially when given enough rope. This team needs these young players to push through, and I think they should get some ice to help them along.
I am sure that the Andersson situation will eventually be resolved at some point this off-season. Whether it is in days, weeks or by September, I would be surprised if Andersson is still around for the start of camp.
|