Question 5: Do you think the Isles will be making a trade for another defenceman, or do you think they’ll be set and that they already have somewhat of a replacement?
Michel: The Islanders won’t trade for another defenseman. They already have a number of guys in the prospect pool that can step in right away. Just a few days ago the Islanders signed RFA Adam Pelech to a four year deal worth $1.6m per year. They also have Ryan Pulock who lit up the AHL last season with 46 points in 55 games. They also have Devon Toews who put up 45 points in 70 AHL games and won the AHL’s fastest skater award at their All-Star Game.
The Islanders have options, and good ones, on defensemen. It’s the centre position that is a worry now. After John Tavares the next best centre might just be rookie Mathew Barzal. Barzal is great prospect, but has much to prove on the big stage. That’s why the Isles wanted, and still want Matt Duchene so bad.
Thanks a lot for answering these, Michel! Make sure you go give Eyes on Isles a follow on Twitter @eyesonislesFS and go follow Michel @TLOMitch.
So what does this mean?
Well, based on Michel’s answers, its seems as though even though Hamonic doesn’t have a ton of points production, he can still contribute in other ways that can make the Calgary Flames a Cup Contending team.
And with the scoring abilities already by Mark Giordano, T.J. Brodie, and Dougie Hamilton, the Flames don’t quite need another D who always jumps up on the play. With Dougie not being incredibly fast, but Gio having that speed for that pairing, and that was one of the best pairings in the NHL last season, maybe we can get something similar with Brodie’s incredible speed and skating abilities that compliments well with Hamonic’s puck control.
Next: The Flames Should Re-Sign Alex Chiasson
And maybe Hamonic was the missing piece to the Flames contending puzzle.