The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired defensemen Dougie Hamilton and Adam Fox, plus forward Michael Ferland from the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Noah Hanifin and forward Elias Lindholm.
For the Hurricanes, they need a big shake up. New owner Tom Dundon said he\’d chance things around town, and he did just that with this move. Hamilton has a $5.75 million cap hit at three years left. I think he could still be on this contract when the Canes are a competitive team. Ferland is a bottom six winger with one year left at $1.75 million. Fox is still unsigned, but could be a big time prospect. He could do the Jimmy Vesey move- wait out college and become a UFA. Hanifin, a former 5th overall pick, and Lindholm, a top 9 forward, are both RFAs.
Hamilton, 25, scored 17 goals and 27 assists for 44 points in 82 games for the Flames this past season. In his NHL career for the Flames and Boston Bruins, Hamilton has scored 64 goals and 165 assists for 220 points in 423 games.
Ferland, 26, scored 21 goals and 20 assists for 41 points in 77 games this past season. In his NHL career, all in Calgary, Ferland has scored 42 goals and 47 assists for 89 points in 250 games.
Fox, 20, scored six goals and 22 assists for 28 points in 29 games for Harvard last season.
For the Flames, I don\’t get this trade too much. Hanifin is a very young defenseman with high upside, but is an even. I\’ve always felt that Lindholm is overrated. He\’s never proved to be a top 6 player in the NHL. They give up two good defenseman and a bottom six six forward for a good defenseman and average forward.
Hanifin, 21, scored 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points in 79 games in 2017-18. In his career, all in Carolina, Hanifin has scored 18 goals and 65 assists for 83 points in 239 games.
Lindholm, 23, scored 16 goals and 28 assists for 44 points in 81 games in 2017-18. In his NHL career, all in Carolina, Lindholm has scored 64 goals and 124 assists for 188 points in 374 games.
I think the Hurricanes win this trade. Hamilton is a little better than Hanifin, and you could make a case for Ferland being better than Lindholm. Plus, Fox is a really good prospect. That is why they win the trade.
CarterHud 