HockeyGuruPitka
Registered User
Hamilton seems to have all of the tools yet consistently finds himself in trade talk. Begs the question as to why. Somewhat leaves a cautious feeling around wanting to acquire him however assuming he has no character flaws my thoughts were something around Nylander + Gardiner + 1st for Hamilton. I feel that Leaf fans will find this too rich, however logic is as follows.
Nylander - The piece of most intrigue for the flames. Developing into an elite offensive player, with extremely high offensive upside. Convertible player that can play wing or c. Will be on your first unit PP. Plays with high skill and speed. Has a thick frame and can play down low in the corners. Still learning how to play consistently and compete consistently. I see a lot of similarities here to a very young Tyler Seguin. I hope for leafs fans that I am wrong.
Gardiner - UFA at years end and the Leafs unlikely to pay the price tag to keep him around and will not be sellers at the TDL. Now is the time to find Gardiner's replacement and get a player that is reasonably signed over a few extra years. Included in the deal for Calgary in order to replace the minutes lost by Hamilton. If the flames find themselves in a need to sell at the TDL Gardiner will recoup a good chunk of assets. If the flames are well into the playoffs they can keep him and have first dibs at potentially signing him long term.
1st - 24th overall. Calgary was looking to get back into the first round and this is one way to do that. Leafs have a cupboard full of prospects on the Marlies and can likely afford to part ways with this pick.
Hamilton – Babcock loves having guys that can play on their natural side. Currently not an option for the Leafs on their top pair with Rielly paired with LHD Ron Hainsey. Gives them the option that they have been looking for and really solidifies the top pair and in turn balances out the rest of the d core.
Nylander - The piece of most intrigue for the flames. Developing into an elite offensive player, with extremely high offensive upside. Convertible player that can play wing or c. Will be on your first unit PP. Plays with high skill and speed. Has a thick frame and can play down low in the corners. Still learning how to play consistently and compete consistently. I see a lot of similarities here to a very young Tyler Seguin. I hope for leafs fans that I am wrong.
Gardiner - UFA at years end and the Leafs unlikely to pay the price tag to keep him around and will not be sellers at the TDL. Now is the time to find Gardiner's replacement and get a player that is reasonably signed over a few extra years. Included in the deal for Calgary in order to replace the minutes lost by Hamilton. If the flames find themselves in a need to sell at the TDL Gardiner will recoup a good chunk of assets. If the flames are well into the playoffs they can keep him and have first dibs at potentially signing him long term.
1st - 24th overall. Calgary was looking to get back into the first round and this is one way to do that. Leafs have a cupboard full of prospects on the Marlies and can likely afford to part ways with this pick.
Hamilton – Babcock loves having guys that can play on their natural side. Currently not an option for the Leafs on their top pair with Rielly paired with LHD Ron Hainsey. Gives them the option that they have been looking for and really solidifies the top pair and in turn balances out the rest of the d core.
