Let me just say what the reaction of hockey executives around the league was when they learned of Dougie Hamilton's trade to the Calgary Flames: "You’ve got to be kidding me," said one NHL general manager.

The widespread reaction was that the Boston Bruins should have got more than a first-round pick (No. 15 overall) and two second-round picks (45th and 52nd overall).

But the other point made by several executives was this: "If you’re re-tooling or whatever, isn’t Hamilton the guy you want to build around?"

Now, to be fair to the Bruins, it became apparent to them they wouldn’t be able to sign Hamilton. But I think the point here is whether they shopped him around enough or picked the best deal.

A Coyotes source insists that Arizona’s offer was superior. While it did not include the No. 3 pick, it did have other high picks and highly rated prospects in the deal, said the source.

It’s easy to be an armchair quarterback, but Friday was an interesting day to say the least in Bruins land.

Huge credit though to Flames GM Brad Treliving. One of the reasons he picked up extra draft picks at the March 2 trade deadline was with the idea that he wanted extra assets for the offseason when he was hoping to target a young defenseman. Mission accomplished. Treliving called Boston as soon as the season was over and stayed in touch with the Bruins, which eventually led to trade talks really heating up on Thursday and Friday.

Not only did Treliving get his guy, but he beat out -- among other teams -- the Edmonton Oilers, who also wanted dearly to get Hamilton.