That's definitely a good enough defense to get us to the playoffs. I don't see enough being done to improve our goalie situation, though. I'm not saying Grubauer would be easy to get, but I'd think we could get something done with the prospects/picks we have available. Maybe Wotherspoon and a 2nd for Grubauer's rights?

Another criticism I have is our 3rd line. I would imagine Ho-Sang and Bellows playing well off each other; one is speedy and can pass while the other can hit and shoot. But if the 3rd line is going to be an offense first line, then I say ditch Vermette, put Cizikas on the 4th line and grab a different C3. I know a lot of people like Bozak, but I wonder if Filpulla or Plekanec could fit on our C3 for a bit less than Bozak. Either of those forwards would have a more offensive approach than Cizikas, and if we're going to acquire OEL AND Myers, then we don't need to devote half of our offense to defense too.

On the whole, I really like this. I disagree with the approach you're choosing, not your idea of trade value, to what extent those defensemen would fix our defense, etc.

That offer isn't going to pry OEL out of AZ. Most fans don't have the stomach for the offer that would.

I understand that OEL is a firmly elite defenseman, but two high first round picks, a regular 20 goal scorer and young right shooting physical defenseman is quite the return for any player with only one year left on his contract. Unless Arizona is confident that they can re sign OEL next offseason, this offer would be weighted in their favor.

Yes, AZ is confident that they can re-sign OEL. See the end of year press conference and OEL's comments. It's pretty much a given. Probably an 8 X $8M or there about.

The problem with any offer for OEL is that the offering team wants to acquire him on the cheap and claim that he only has 1 year left. That's false. He can and will sign an 8 year extension this summer. If you're trading for him, you're trading for 9 years of him and the Yotes would offer to eat 50% of 18-19. That's worth a ton.

There's a small chance OEL won't re-sign in AZ and will get traded. But in that scenario, whoever gets him will pay a pile in trade assets and cash. Most team's fans just can't stomach the cost, which is understandable. But saying he only has 1 year left is nonsense.

I wouldn’t call the above trade offer “on the cheap”, but I definitely see your point.