The prospect in the MN trade has to be significantly better than Smallman for them to accept. Staal put up 65 and 78 (42 g) pts in two years and he's really their only solid center so you won't get him for a bargain. Try Gauthier/Mattheos/Geekie in there and that might work. If this is deadline then maybe a slightly lower prospect but still not a 1st 4th and ECHL guy

What's the deal with Rask? Is he a top 6 centre or a bottom 6. It looks like a couple of years ago he scored 20 and had 48 points, but the last 2 he dropped his point totals dropped. Is it a number game in Carolina? Is there still potential to be a top 6 or is he just a 3rd line centre?
Thanks

I agree. I wasn't sure on the value of Staal - was this a fluke? will he continue to be that good? Who knows. But changing Smallman out for Gauthier would that work for you?

I think in the right situation he's a 2C (aka MTL) but in CAR hes a 3/4C. I think he just doesnt want to be there anymore

Staal is pretty highly valued in MN considering the lack of centers we have. Him zucker and dumba were our three bright spots offensively last year but unfortunately he has 1 year left and they are both RFA's. I think it comes down to which prospect Fenton sees as someone he can rebuild around, Gauthier makes sense because we need more right handed shots and some size along with Greenway, the other two had lower pedigree but are centers which would be a huge need if we traded Staal. Speed may be key too it looked like we got slower last year which is moving the wrong direction in this league.

I think STL would take that trade. And look for another goalie in FA or possibly a trade and include Darling in that package. Perhaps go after Grubauer with a package.

As a Blues fan I'd do this trade in a heartbeat (for Skinner) and if Darling doesn't work out after one season, buy him out and no big deal. Husso looks ready to take the reigns anyway for the Blues so they might not have to trade for anyone.