To start off, I do not believe the Buffalo trade would happen, but why not have fun with it. The other two trades most certainly could. Ok guys, here me out with this...
Buffalo Trade: Isles are getting back someone that knows what it means to take pride in the team. We all know the situation when KO left, he didn't necessarily want to leave. At the same token, Buffalo did clearly overpay for him...or did they? This, in my opinion, is a big chance for the Isles to regain someone who would excel in the Trotz system and for a closer price to what would be fair. So, that being said, Buffalo gets a developing young D in Pelech who is cheap and controlled. He's also going to slot right into the lineup and help their playoff push and now and in the future. Fritz, for the role on the 3rd line, could slot in as well right away if they have no one to take the spot. Aho is the extra piece of to add in to make up some value and add for the salary retention. Seems fair on both sides and outside the box, which Lou often goes for.
StL/Chicago Trades: Ok, here goes, we're big game fishing. Seems fair but if picks had to be included, so be it. Isles get Tarasenko, straight forward. Going back their way, Eberle replaces some offensive production they're losing and they have the opportunity to re-sign him in a role they would now need filled. Greiss fills a big void they have with a reasonable number and year left on his contract. He definitely helps them for a playoff push. Bellows and Wotherspoon are for the future or now, in Bellows case. Greiss being included, I feel, allows the Isles to include Bellows and Wotherspoon instead of Wahlstrom, Dobson and Wilde. Again, if picks had to be added to the trade, so be it. The Chicago portion is just to fill the backup void for Lehner this season. Ward is experienced and would give the Isles a chance to carry on if Lehner were to go down long term or in the playoffs. More than a 5th round pick would have to make them get a 2020 4th round pick instead.
Long Term Outlook: About $29 mil in space with cap increase. Lehner gets at most $5 mil per for maybe 3 years. Lee gets $6.5 mil for 6 years. Beauvillier gets $3 mil for 3 years. $14.5 left to bring in a 2nd line center and a cheap 3rd line center. So let's say that leaves $5 mil or so for the following season. That's still with Ladd, Leddy, Boychuk, Clutterbuck all still under contract. Some housekeeping there has plenty of money to clear up in order to keep Barzal, Toews and Pulock. As Leddy and Boychuk leave, Dobson and Wilde slot into their place. Ladd is a cap clearing issue and Clutterbuck can be replaced by Okposo dropping down (if that move really occurs), Johnston slotting in perfectly (since he's here for 3 more years) and now Koivula has a spot created for him on the 3rd line either way. At that point as well, Martin has come off the cap, Komarov drops to the 4th line and Wahlstrom has a clear cut spot on the 3rd line (or 2nd).
So you can see that as each player leaves, there is already someone on the roster to replace them, while also not rushing them into their role and giving them time to naturally develop. At some point down the line we may see the likes of Bailey being moved for cap relief as well but that's an issue 3 plus seasons from now. Ah, and of course, Sorokin mixes into the goaltending tandem there somewhere in the near future as Lehner is nearing the end of his contract.
Like I said, if picks had to be added, so be it. I'm sure they'd take all that with 2 1st round picks included.
Draft picks are overrated on this site. If they're not in the top-15 there is a very, very slim chance we get anyone near the level of Tarasenko, and even then, it would take 3+ yrs to develop those guys. The Blues aren't going to trade Tarasenko for some lottery tickets and expect to be better, and they're not going to rebuild. But let's just say they did decide to blow things up: I think your comment in the description is more realistic - the return would start around 2 of Dobson/Wilde/Wahlstrom and add some picks from there. Otherwise we just keep our guy - it's not like he's too old or on an expiring contract.
Draft picks are overrated on this site. If they're not in the top-15 there is a very, very slim chance we get anyone near the level of Tarasenko, and even then, it would take 3+ yrs to develop those guys. The Blues aren't going to trade Tarasenko for some lottery tickets and expect to be better, and they're not going to rebuild. But let's just say they did decide to blow things up: I think your comment in the description is more realistic - the return would start around 2 of Dobson/Wilde/Wahlstrom and add some picks from there. Otherwise we just keep our guy - it's not like he's too old or on an expiring contract.
You are right about not having to trade him, so if any team could be picky for what they ask it's St. Louis in this situation. The second they ask for Dobson, Wilde or Wahlstrom (which you're right they definitely could), I'm out. Wahlstrom practically made the team this year so I'd rather them just be patient til next season then.
You are right about not having to trade him, so if any team could be picky for what they ask it's St. Louis in this situation. The second they ask for Dobson, Wilde or Wahlstrom (which you're right they definitely could), I'm out. Wahlstrom practically made the team this year so I'd rather them just be patient til next season then.
I feel like you are undervaluing who is the valuable piece in the deal. If you want a good piece you have to trade good pieces for that good piece. I have heard Carolina fans say Necas Pesce and a 1st. Your deal never even comes close, so sorry I wouldn't take a deal with the Islanders for Tarasenko for a couple reasons you won't make a better offer than other teams are willing, nor could you.
I feel like you are undervaluing who is the valuable piece in the deal. If you want a good piece you have to trade good pieces for that good piece. I have heard Carolina fans say Necas Pesce and a 1st. Your deal never even comes close, so sorry I wouldn't take a deal with the Islanders for Tarasenko for a couple reasons you won't make a better offer than other teams are willing, nor could you.
The 1st Round picks from both teams are almost a wash. Obviously Carolina's is worth a little more, but really only if they don't make the playoffs. If the Isles offered Wahlstrom, Dobson and 1st it is definitely close to Necas, Pesce and a 1st. I just don't think they would offer that simply because they can sign Panarin in the offseason for no picks or prospects, obviously. Panarin does play the other wing but it's still an offensive upgrade. Again, it's a business, so obviously the Blues would be going for best offer so clearly understood.
The 1st Round picks from both teams are almost a wash. Obviously Carolina's is worth a little more, but really only if they don't make the playoffs. If the Isles offered Wahlstrom, Dobson and 1st it is definitely close to Necas, Pesce and a 1st. I just don't think they would offer that simply because they can sign Panarin in the offseason for no picks or prospects, obviously. Panarin does play the other wing but it's still an offensive upgrade. Again, it's a business, so obviously the Blues would be going for best offer so clearly understood.
Necas and Pesce>>Any of those prospect you aren't willing to offer. You are heavily overrating Dobson.
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