Calgary Flames : Reviewing Iginla Trade

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

March 28th, 2013, six days before the NHL trade deadline and catastrophe struck. Jarome Iginla, leaving the City he called Home for 17-years to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins and a chance to hoist Lord Stanley, but there was a price tag. Calgary Flames GM Jay Feaster made a blockbuster move acquiring the rights to Kenny Agostino, Ben Hanowski and a 2013 first round draft pick that turned into Morgan Klimchuk.

• Kenny Agostino is a very strong skater due to his lack of size coming in at 5’11 , 190 lbs. His style of play reminds me much of Brendan Gallagher with the Montreal Canadiens, a North-South style with the ability to get into the dirty areas that are highly rewarded. Kenny would choose the College route and play for the Yale Bulldogs, eventually leading them to their first NCAA National Championship. His chances of making the Calgary Flames out of training camp lies within his destiny. I know he can play but is he ready for the Calgary Flames yet? Abbotsford never hurt anyone. I see him as a future top 9 Forward for the Flames with his will to win and strive for perfection.
• Ben Hanowski is a different player in all aspects as he has the size and frame coming in at 6’2 200 lbs with an eye for the front of the net. With that size and frame he compromises soft hands with a will to play off the cycle and rush but his skating was lacking in his first five NHL games but at development camp he looked much quicker and smarter along the boards with an explosive first stride. Ben would Captain the St.Cloud Huskies to the NCAA Frozen Four in his senior year in which he tore up the College Hockey scene but failed to become NCAA National Champs but the experience is key. Making his début in the NHL on April 12th he planted himself in a high traffic area in the slot and banged in a pass from Glencross to beat Nicklas Backstrom for his first career NHL goal. I think Ben will be a huge factor of the Flames rebuilding as he possesses the ability to get into high traffic areas with Tranquility.
• Morgan Klimchuk has the vision to set up teammates with ease and ability to walk into the high slot and pick his desired destination. I don’t see this kid with the Flames any time soon, I’d give him another 2 years in the Western Hockey League and maybe a year in Abbotsford. Klimchuks’ offensive talent didn’t go unseen as he potted 36 goals and 40 assists while being a -1 in his 2012-2013 campaign with the Regina Pats. Morgan joined Hockey Canada at the 2012 and 2013 U18 World Championships winning both gold medals and playing along future phenom Connor McDavid posting 8 points in 7 games. I think his only weakness is his defensive play/size and strength but he is still young and can grow and mature into a solid all around player that will be sniping beauties in years to come.

These three players Feaster obtained can play the game we all love at the highest level. At first this trade looked disastrous but as time passes it looks more and more like the Calgary Flames coming out on Top.