Flames Acquire David Hale From New Jersey

[HordiBrusk29]

Calgary, AB - Calgary Flames General Manager Darryl Sutter announced today the acquisition of defenceman David Hale and a 5th round draft pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 3rd round draft pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

A native of Colorado Springs, Colorado , David is in his third NHL season. He has played in 43 games this season, and has played 146 career NHL games all with the New Jersey Devils.

Originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils as their first round selection (22nd overall) in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Hale was drafted out of the University of North Dakota (WCHA).

[DevsFan30]

Hale and a 5th for a 3rd.

[rondo]

Hales a 5-7 defenseman and will drop the gloves and do well against the mw.

[Skorka85]

That sucks, Hale has been one of my favorite Devils, plays a simple game, fights ocasionally and likes to throw the body around. My guess is Matvichuk comes back for the playoffs.

[Blouin]

good pickup for the Flames. Hale plays a hard nosed game

[Isles4life]

Hale's a solid reliable defenseman. I guess the Devils just felt they didn't need to have him around. Calgary does well here.

[NJDevils17]

im not to surprised. today's star-ledger mentioned that he will be traded. i liked hale, but he was only being played for about 8 minutes a game.

[bengino]

weird trade, Flames have a pretty good defensive corps now.

[dp]

I like it. I like Hale. Good depth guy for the playoffs, in case of injury.


I am surprised NJ let him go.

[Skorka85]

NJ only let him go because they have Andy Green in the system, who was very impressive in his NHL debut stint when White, Oduya and Brooks were injured. With the Devils already having Martin and Rafalski though, it was nice to have Hale out there banging bodies every few shifts, however Green will be a good addition and perhaps Mark Fraser can develop into that same hard nosed role that Colin White plays.

[Podollan]

I don't like this trade as a Devils Fan,
good job Flames.

[dp]

Toronto should have grabbed Hale. Their third rounder would be worth more than Calgary's. Hale would have been very useful while Kubina is injured.

[thomas59]

Dont get the trade on the Devils end, Hale was a FIRST rounder in 2000, plays gritty and comes from good coaching stock, definitely worth more than the Devils giging up a 5th round and a 1st round player for a third round selection, Lou must know something about next years draft???

[rondo]

Originally Posted by dp

Toronto should have grabbed Hale. Their third rounder would be worth more than Calgary's. Hale would have been very useful while Kubina is injured.

Toronto doesn't believe in American born players. Look at there roster this year and in the past, hardly any. They'd rather have 8 europeans. You are right, The leafs could use Hale right now and he is only going to get better. The guy was a former first round draft pick and is starting to come into his own after overcoming a serious eye injury that almost ended his career. That is why he wears a visor.

[peacemaker]

Originally Posted by thomas59

Dont get the trade on the Devils end, Hale was a FIRST rounder in 2000, plays gritty and comes from good coaching stock, definitely worth more than the Devils giging up a 5th round and a 1st round player for a third round selection, Lou must know something about next years draft???

What is his contract situation?