Seattle probably take Motte then. I protect Highmore over Motte because IMO they are just about the same player, both had great bubble performances, but Highmore is more durable and costs less.
I have no idea why NJ want Risto, but if that happens that opens the door for a possible Severson swoop. I don't know what NJ fans expect in terms of return but Jett Woo is a solid prospect who will end up in someone's top 6 and I've seen several trades for Holtby, albeit I've added a 2nd in there to offset Holtby's cap and add a bit of value for Damon.
I would be thrilled if we found a way to add Nosek. IMO, a huge improvement as a bottom 6 guy to Sutter or Beagle.
I'm not going to lie - no matter what happens this offseason I want to at least see the line of Hog - Petey - Podz tried at some point this year. It could be so much fun. I think Podz has some untapped playmaking potential that SKA didn't give him the chance to show.
Then we reunite Miller with his Tampa buddy in a similar trade to what we gave up for Nate Schmidt. I think people have been undervaluing Killorn. He's a really, really good driver of play (statistically speaking). More importantly, for a top 6 guy, his cap hit is great. Even if he regresses, He's off the books in a couple of years.
I think it's cheating to leave Beagle on LTIR. Best case scenario, at his age, is that he walks away. But I don't like to wish problems away.
The Loui buyout stings next year more than anything but it saves us a spot for a league minimum contract, who we've seen can be filled with tremendous value in the flat cap era. I know everyone is telling you to eat Loui for one more year, but the more I think about it, the better a buyout sounds. Again, maybe his cap hit will magically disappear. I would love that. But I don't think it's fair to assume that.
Not that you guys will read this, but I'm open to changing the picks on either of those trades. Say, 3rd for Severson, 2nd for Killorn, or a 1st for Severson. Etc. Don't think I'm willing to go first for Killorn.