Getting lucky then unrealistic trade

If EDM moves McDavid, it isnt for two forwards with ZERO NHL experience.
Not to mention if they did trade him, they could get much better value elsewhere.

Heavy overpay for Fox

I think that package is actually in line with what EDM should do, which is bite the bullet and start a Flyers-Hextall-styled rebuild. Suck it up and wait out their bad contracts that nobody will take, and this package gives them a good cost-controlled Dman, some young ELC prospects who could be Top-6 players this year or next for them, and a 1st next year to add to the pipeline. Hexy did it with the Cap Hell he was in here, and if EDM moves on from McDavid it would be the same thing with some of the dead weight they have out there. I'd do that deal if I were EDM, and I say thats pretty fair value. You're not going to get what 97 is worth if you trade him, you can't, but that is a pretty sweet package. Ghost, a first, Frost and Hughes. Why not? Hughes could be a 1C, and Frost a 3C behind Draisaitl? You're better off Cap-wise and probably deeper overall without 97, obviously not as top-heavy with ungodly talent, but more balanced which is probably one of their big issues, filling out their lineup after their 1st line.