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Joined: Apr. 2022
Posts: 3,183
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Kubalik is a perfectly fine player. But bringing him doesn't help Columbus because there just isn't a roster spot. This is still a rebuilding year and the young players already there deserve the chance to show what they've got. They have no one left on the roster that can be sent down without waivers whom Kubalik would be an upgrade on, so bringing him in could also have an opportunity cost if whomever they'd waive is claimed. The roster has already gelled pretty well, with the same lineup for three straight games, two of which are wins over "better" teams. And that's not including Chinakhov is ready to come off the IR and there already isn't a roster spot for him, let alone bringing in an outside player.
Any Peeke trade has to be either part of a larger deal that brings in an honest upgrade on the top nine forwards (or goalie) slash also sends out forwards, OR a pure future that is not playing in either the NHL or AHL this year. And I'd guess that's why he hasn't been moved, because the league is cap strapped and any team looking to acquire him would need Columbus to take something back they don't have room for.