Got to wonder if SJ goes after Kane if they got Stewart earlier in the day. Obviously different players but SJ didn't add anyone else, so maybe they started exploring other options when their claim didn't go off, and they started deeper down the Kane path due to lack of any other options.
And then you wonder if the Flames act differently if they know they wanted Stewart but lost the claim on him to a division rival no less, and then they go hunting in a different direction and maybe willing to meet Bufs price for Kane.
This is exactly how I think it played out as well.
If we were after SJ in the waiver order and they get him, we probably end up with Kane.
Personally, I like Stewart for free much better than Kane for the cost he went for.
Man he seems like such a likable guy. Apparently a lot of Minny fans were sad to see him let go. One of those heart and soul players who adds some toughness and can score. Not much more you can ask.
The more I think about this pick up the more I like it.
__________________
"Some may have more talent, but there is no excuse for anyone working harder than you"
I've always noticed Stewart when he's been in lineups against us. It somewhat surprises me to know that he's been in and out of the lineup. He's scored some key goals too which was always annoying. Will be good to have that on our side. This is an important 6+ weeks for him and his career, so we could be in for a treat here.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to djsFlames For This Useful Post:
I always go back to what the needs were for the Flames heading into the deadline:
Needs: upgrade to the bottom 6, more goal scoring, more size, more physicality, must fit in with the team culture.
Reading the reports on Stewart, it's clear that he checks all the boxes. I'm actually happy that we got him over Kane because I really think Kane is the opposite of a "good guy in the room" the way Stewart is.
We get a guy who is a clear upgrade on some of the bottom 6 wingers we've been using this year.
We get a guy who has a very good shot, and this team badly needed more shooters throughout the lineup.
We get a big, physical, bruising winger who will drop the gloves and stick up for teammates at a moment's notice.
And as per Treliving and co's M.O., we get a guy who seems to be of very high character and is well liked by teammates.
And we get all of this for the cost of...that's right, ZERO assets. We pay a small amount of salary for the remainder of the year, and we hopefully get a very motivated Stewart in our lineup for a playoff drive.
My one concern is the reports of lackluster defensive play and lazy/dumb penalties, but I'll reserve my judgement until I have a chance to watch him play.
He may not be the sexiest name out there today, but this makes all sorts of sense, especially compared to some of the other prices paid by teams today.
__________________
"You know, that's kinda why I came here, to show that I don't suck that much" ~ Devin Cooley, Professional Goaltender
The Following 22 Users Say Thank You to Cali Panthers Fan For This Useful Post:
