Watching Bollig flounder on the Flames this year is a constant reminder of why rebuilding teams don't trade 3rd round picks for 4th line slugs who can be easily picked up on waivers/UFA when required.
While he probably hasn't met the expectations of most fans, he's met mine. He's a better option that McGrattan, may not be a better fighter, but he is a better hockey player. 4th line slug? What exactly were you expecting from this player, Jamie Benn-like play?
I think the Flames acquired him because:
1) He played on a good team who knows how to win; he can bring that same intensity (and I think he has)
2) Like I mentioned, he isn't a liability on the ice
3) The Hawks just resigned him on a really fair contract for 3 years, we get all 3 years of him.
4) That 3rd rounder you are talking about has a way bigger chance of not even cracking an NHL lineup. Bollig has already proven he can play as a decent 4th liner.
The only knock on Bollig is I'd like to see some more offense from him. If I don't, that's fine, I still think he is a better option than McGrattan.