Joined: Feb. 2016
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 199
This trade doesn't completely make sense for either team really. Hammer is a clear #2 on most teams in the league and has a very reasonable cap hit. But he is 30 and the Yotes should be sticking with the young guys. Hawks save no cap space.
My only explanation here is:
Hawks get younger on D with more contract stability for many years to come. They like Dauphin and possibly think he can replace Kruger's role. Kruger will be traded after July 1st.
Arizona is marking the end of their rebuild and want some veteran's with some winning pedigree to start mentoring their young guys as they build into true NHLers.
From a Hawks fan, Yotes win this trade. Expected the Hawks to get a bit more in return for a top 4 league shutdown defenseman on a great contract.