So if CBJ miss out on Duchene or Hayes they would downgrade their C core.. sounds reasonable.

Downgrade? Wennberg has ZERO even strength goals this season and two on the year. Read 31 thoughts on Sportsnet, sounds like Ottawa doesn't even want him. You can't tell me he's producing at a $4.9M cap hit.

He is playmaker.. He is still better than Anisimov.. Strome-efect incoming for him as well in Chicago.. he is better than Anisimov..

...and Anisimov is a two way center, scoring more goals and killing more penalties. He's slightly cheaper with less term, too. You haven't said much to support your argument. Yes Wennberg has potential and he's younger but can Columbus wait around for him to produce on the third line? Seems like they're trying to win.

Is Strome effect a thing? I hope it is! Come on down Pool Party!!! Really though, Strome is a very unique/different case. That can't be the benchmark. A fringe NHL/AHL player (in Chayka's mind) turned into a solid point per game 2nd line NHLer??? That's a rare thing. I get that Wenneberg is a playmaker...kinda like a Krejci esk type player, but the Hawks need AA's defensive ability and net front presence more. Especially considering he might be centering Kane. That 2-way game is more important. Kane is playmaker enough for any line. AA is more important to the Hawks than having a Wenneberg.

I enjoy your presence on here due to being a great voice of reason. Much appreciated.

I actually think there's more risk in this for Chicago. I definitely like the trade - Wennberg has a lot of potential - but if he can't tap into it, I'd hate to be stuck with his cap hit for 3-4 years.

That said, I like this trade for both teams. Columbus gets the better player (right now) and a young defenseman who shows flashes of excellence. Both will help them if for an all-in push. Not my first choice of moves if I'm them, but if they miss out on the big fish, I'd pull the trigger.

EDIT: As a side note, Wennberg and Saad had some chemistry in Columbus. Just something for Bowman to consider....

Agreed. The purpose of this trade was to get younger at center and find a guy to play with Saad. So far only two teams have checked in on Anisimov and they were Columbus and Carolina, I would assume both would want to send salary back so this seemed like the most logical option with Columbus.

Absolutely. I'd be open to trying it. I think there is value to keeping AA and we do need cap space, but a big part of me thinks this could work out

There is a case to be made for trading for Anisimov. There is not a case to be made for trading Wennberg for him. Especially not when the "value-added" asset is another LD we don't have room for in Cleveland, let alone Columbus.