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The Calgary Flames' willingness to deal one of their veteran, right-side defenders this summer
has been well documented
As we approach the NHL Entry Draft, where a lot of the big trades are made, the Flames are apparently more focused on moving one than the other. And it sure sounds like it's the guy we penciled in as most likely to be dealt from the start – T.J. Brodie.
I don't know what, if anything, changed since the initial report both names were in play. It's not remotely surprising Brodie seems destined to be the odd-man out, though.
So often you hear coaches talk about wanting to see consistency in a player's game, and 'knowing what you're going to get' on a nightly basis. While I generally think that is overblown, overused, overvalued – whatever you want to say – I'll admit it could very well play a part in Brodie's likely exit.
Simply put, his game is quite prone to peaks and valleys. One night, with the puck on his stick, he'll cut through defenders like a hot knife through butter, make all the right plays, and look like a star. Others, he'll get stuck in his own way, numerous mistakes will compound, and by the time a demotion to the 3rd pairing comes, he'll severely hamper the team's chances of winning.
Hamonic is not like that. He'll have the odd off-night but, for the most part, he is very reliable. You're going to get strong defensive play, some physicality, and a more than willing shooter (Hamonic ranked 12th among defenders in 5v5 attempts/60 last season).
There are other things – even out of Brodie's control – that are also working against him here.
The team is loaded with young, mobile defenders. One of them, Rasmus Andersson, has shown strong signs he's ready to replace Brodie on the top pairing.
I don't see many others – on the NHL roster, or in the system – who are known for stable defensive play and physicality, the latter of which the Flames feel they might already be lacking.
Factor in the cap-strapped Flames would save ~$800K by keeping Hamonic rather than Brodie and the stars really are aligning for the latter to be moved.
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