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Originally Posted by Webersmashpuck
This is an amazing deadline, Im fairly confident Poile knew Edmonton was going to take Jones, there was no need to waive him.
Essentially Grebeshkov and Boyd for 2nd Jones and a 4th. We did not get just rentals but RFAs whom if play well will be here next year also we filled some needs and might have the deepest team in the league. 2 NHL caliber/experienced defensemen in the AHL and an extra 5 or so forwards who could step in and the team would hardly miss a beat.
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Bingo, the depth that these moves, the addition of Wilson, and the decision to keep Hamhuis have set us up with great depth and the flexibility needed to succeed.
I'm very pleased with acquiring a young NHL veteran defenseman that was arguably one of Edmonton's best last season that really needed a change of scenery, but provides us with help on the PP and makes for a very deep top 6.
The deal to acquire Boyd was well worth it. A former 2nd rounder that was probably rushed to the NHL and not really given the opportunity to blossom in Calgary. Boyd is a player that I've always come away impressed with whenever I get the opportunity to watch Calgary. Probably needs to fill in his frame a bit more, but love his speed and hockey smarts. A younger version of Fiddler with better offensive instincts and a cheaper contract. Is an RFA at season's end, so I expect him to be worked into the lineup next season as well.
Wilson has scored 4 points (1g, 3a) in his last 4 games and is showing signs of what made him a dominant player in college. A combination of skill and size, Wilson is an excellent addition to the lineup and could easily be the scoring depth we needed. This addition cannot be overlooked, because ultimately I think it was the reason that Poile felt he did not have to overpay to get a scorer at the deadline.
And lastly, a big "Thank You" must go out to the ownership group that told Poile to do what he felt was necessary and allow him to keep Hamhuis for the remainder of the season and not forcing a salary dump (as many expected) after adding Grebeshkov and his contract on Monday. Hamhuis wants to stay in Nashville and has been told that the only way the team can afford to pay to keep him is by making the playoffs and advancing. You want to see a player give a contract performance? I'm willing to bet with the stress of a pregnant wife and a possible mid-season trade off the tables now...Hamhuis will be a key contributor down the stretch and throughout the playoffs.
Poile has given Trotz plenty of bodies to work with, restored the depth throughout the organization to the level it was at pre-Balsillie, and again given us a great opportunity to not only make the playoffs, but also to advance.
It's up to the players now to perform. The competition for ice time will be increased and I believe that the guys within the locker room are going to look around and be happy and excited with what they have and where they want to go...