It's a lot for Ekholm, but he's the perfect combination of offense and defense, I think he'd fit the team perfectly. Andy Greene, in my opinion, just isn't cutting it right now, offensively or defensively. He should've been in a reserve role from the start and if we make the playoffs and he's still on the 3rd pair, I'll be little concerned. Adding Ekholm I think makes the top-4 close to airtight and gives us much more certainty when P and P aren't out there.
Nashville, meanwhile, can kickstart their retool with an NHL-ready offensive defenseman who, unfortunately, is probably never going to get a shot on LI. Thought about adding Bellows instead of Aho (which I'd prefer), but Aho would obviously replace the role Ekholm would play and I honestly think the upside with him is higher than that of Bellows. I originally had two 2nds here, with a condition on one in 2022 that made it upgrade to a 1st if the Islanders win the Cup, but I looked around at some other Ekholm ACGMs and the consensus seems to be that he's worth at least a 1st, so I made some changes. Considering that the Isles are trading a first here, I'd expect this deal to be made closer to the deadline, when they're hopefully on their way to making the playoffs (as opposed to relatively soon, when there's still a lot of time for them to fall apart).
For expansion, I say do 7-3-1
Barzal, Lee, Eberle, Nelson, Beauvillier, Pageau, Bellows
Pelech, Pulock, Ekholm
Varlamov
Seattle will probably take Mayfield (Bailey if we're lucky, but that's highly unlikely). Then hopefully buy-out or trade Nick Leddy and rebuild the 3rd pair with prospects (Wilde or Bolduc) and a low cost UFA (or Aho if they opt to keep him).
I wouldn't be surprised if he costs more than that tbh.
He's not off to an amazing start to the season, I would think that could bring his value down a little bit, at least compared to what it might normally be.
This is the most I'd be willing to give up for him I think, unless Nashville wants like Scott Mayfield too
Ekholm deal will be similar to the Jake Muzzin one to Toronto. Ekholm is highly underrated, one of the best defensive d-man in the league. Would probably get more than what Muzzin got. If Nashville decides to move him, they're likely looking at a retool phase if not a rebuild. Aho is an AHL d-man which is of no use to them at all. Price would start at a 1st round pick + B prospect. Then maybe a project prospect from there.
I'd likely say Ekholm for 1st round pick + Oliver Wahlstrom + Robin Salo
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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