Yes. Montreal has been hunting for a guy like Steel for ages. losing two wingers is a hit Montreal can take, as we have a good set of wingers ready to step up. Plus Steel was killing it in the Memorial cup. Montreal is spending a little more, but still a resonable amount.

You can take away Lehkonen if Paches resigns prior to the trade, that second is still a decent mid round pick and Pacioretty on a team with a real C would most likely reach the 40 goal plateau.

Paches + 2nd for Steel and a first
Or
Paches + Lehkonen for Steel + 1st + prospect/pick

Don't think the Ducks would even consider this. Steel is the only good center prospect the Ducks have and we have to worry about Kesler and Getzlaf slowing down soon. Why buy at such a high price when you can just sign him in a year.

Couldn’t you just say that about any player on an expiring contract? Why did BOS pay all those assets for Nash if they could of just try and sign him this offseason? Point is if ANA are interested in Patches, it’s because they want to win with him and their current core players next season.