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The Avs made the much-expected swap of AHL players today as they traded away frequently-called-up-but-rarely-played Karl Stollery to the San Jose Sharks for forward Freddie Hamilton.
Stollery, 27, appeared in 7 games for the Avalanche over the last two seasons and served primarily as one of the Lake Erie Monsters' better defenders, mentoring some of the kids and playing a spot role in case of injuries along the Avs blue line. Also of note is that Stollery is set to be an unrestricted free agent after this season and likely was not going to be back for the Monsters.
Hamilton, 23, is the older brother of star Boston Bruins defenseman Dougie Hamilton and was a 5th round draft pick in the 2010 NHL Draft. A player known more for his defensive acumen than his offensive exploits, Hamilton profiles as a potential bottom 6 player whose development has stalled in recent seasons.
Stollery's 27 so more career minor-leaguer than prospect. Hamilton's development stalled but this seems like a bad trade.
— Fear The Fin (@fearthefin) March 2, 2015
Bottom line on Hamilton-Stollery from an organizational asset perspective, a total no-brainer for #Avs. Hamilton is a top-6 AHL guy @ worst.
— Cody Nickolet (@Avs_Tweets) March 2, 2015