I heard Leafs were kicking tires on Hamilton at the draft (how serious I don't know) but that's not a fair offer at all, Hamilton has some serious potential and yes his contract is a little expensive but if we opt through FA it could be just as expensive (not to mention there's a premium for right handed, 6'6" defenders who have a cup and two 40+ point seasons in their career while only being 23). I think Hamilton would be a great defenseman for the Leafs, and yes there are limits to what we want to send but he would be a great long term option for us.

In saying that its hard to figure out what exactly CAL wants. I would make an AGM myself but do they want prospects? Defenseman? (then why would they trade Hamilton?) or wingers? (they've signed Frolik and Brouwer in back to back FA years so I can't see that being a weakness)

I agree calgary are looking to dump him they are looking to trade him. Though they are getting more or less a 3rd pair they will be looking for prospects that will strengthen the team. also, he really is at best a 2nd pair dman the way he's regressing so IF the leafs want him they need to make a trade that at least gives them prospects with that upside. But to be honest at his salary it might be worth holding off for an upgrade not a lateral move.

I was really trying to illustrate that I don't think Hamilton is a fit with the Leafs. Leafs have cap space to go after the guy(s) they really want (I don't think it's Hamilton).
LeafsFan, we have different valuation for Hamilton. I don't think the logic of his Cup and two 40+ has much relevance when you're thinking of future. Nortel stock looked good at 80 dollars years ago, never judge how good a husband/wife is going by their traits as a boyfriend/girlfriend and my fine collection of bell bottoms slacks I bought in the 70s, don't look that fashionable now.
Agree with you that the Flames are kinda in limbo with what they want.....(well Brian the Brain Burke is in charge), so they seem to spending to cap but again will be struggling to make the playoffs. Sounds like the Leaf scenario for the past ten years.
Here's something have not written about on this site. Through excellent sources, Hamilton had apparently let people know that he would not sign for them if he had been drafted by the Leafs. Of course the Leafs made the Kessel trade so the point was moot. Apparently he could not stand the presence Brian Burke. People change from the age 17 to 23 and Burke is not a coach or the GM. But would Hamilton be happier elsewhere....and maybe to your point a better player elsewhere.

Flames need RW

Hey leaf fans Hamilton is better than Rielly...
Over the last 2.25 years he has had more points both even strength and all situations. He has much better shot stat number. Their usage is almost the exact same. (Same Dzone start Hamilton gets a little bit more Ozone starts) Plus they have almost the same QoT and QoC. Rielly has a better contract and is a year younger.

Add Marner, Willy or Reilly. Then maybe?

Hamilton for two guys who couldn't make the Canucks or Oilers? Marincin has 3 goals in over 160 games... Leafs1967again is right, you're gonna have to actually give something in return and not some spare parts