https://twitter.com/DarrenDreger/status/8519364449
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=308607
Now that we have had a bit of time to review this trade, I am still perplexed as to why Calgary would do this trade. Higgins is a UFA to be and Kotalik has another 2 years at 3 mil per left on his deal for a very talented albeit underachieving UFA-to-be in Olli Jokinen and a young fireplug gritty forward in Brandon Prust. I just do not see what Calgary stands to gain from this unless there is another move in the works where they get a forward in return that has yet to be mentioned.
As a Ranger fan, you have to be thrilled to get out of the Kotalik contract that can free up much needed cap space for the summer where Marc Staal (RFA) will need a new contract, as well as the unrestricted superstar sniper Ilya Kovalchuk, whom the Rangers will undoubtedly go all out for.
Anyway, as we sit here and wait for this trade to either be completed or fall apart I would love to hear your thoughts on the trade and what else can be in the works for both teams.
both these guys can easily score 20 goals on the flames. for roughly the same cost as jokinen. so, that makes jokinen a complete waste of money. it really is that simple. calgary is completely rebuilding their offense. they've already got the defense, goaltending and coaching taken care of.
ReplyDeleteChris Higgins should be able to score but he can not finish for shittttttt. He has had the most chances on the team and can not hit the net at all. While Kotalik has the talent to score 20 goals, he is brutal 5 on 5 and has a canon of a shot that is deadly when it hits the net (1 out of 20 times), but the guy doesn't have a clue in his own zone or the neutral zone for that matter.
ReplyDeleteSo apparently Kotalik agreed to waive his NTC and the deal might happen soon. I dont watch many Rangers games but I do watch tons of Flames games and this is a good deal for them. Jokinen is just awful for them, no drive no finish nothing going for him. Higgins in Montreal was ok and should do well with the Flames.
ReplyDeleteI think Higgins will be much better in Calgary than he was in NY, I feel there was too much pressure with his family in the stands every night. With that said, Higgins was still a very good forechecker, and penalty killer who got a ton of chances just could not finish for his life. If he starts to bury those chances Calgary will love him.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you Hig!!