Edited May 3, 2019 at 5:12 p.m.
Quoting: HabsRafiki
Not sure I fully get the Alzner-Sekera deal from a cap standpoint but it looks to the benefit of the Habs. While he's not all that useful a Dman, he's a step up in Alzner.
Sekera for Alzner is a great trade for Montreal, and a terrible one for Edmonton. Look at this rationally.
1. The only knocks on Sekera are:
a. He has suffered two major injuries that have kept him out of play for most of the past two seasons;
b. He will be 33-years-old when the next season begins; and,
c. His salary is $5,500,000 per season.
2. However:
a. His play, after returning this season, suggests next season he will be very close to the same player he was before injury; and,
b. There are plenty of effective NHL defensemen who are in their early-to-mid 30's.
So, you have to ask yourself whether you believe he will recover his game, and if that makes him worth close to his salary.
In my mind, the Oilers consider moving him only because:
- they need to clear salary cap space;
- Darnell Nurse and Oscar Klefbom are both top-4 defenders now; and,
- the Oilers really need another top-4 RHD more than they need Sekera playing bottom pair minutes.
That being stated, if the new GM can manage to move-out Russell's contract, maybe Gagner's as well, and possibly generate some cap space elsewhere, Sekera could be a fantastic partner to play with either Caleb Jones or any of the bevy of young Oilers RHD prospects who look almost ready for the NHL.
Other thoughts:
1. Sheesh is that third line going to be slow.
2. For Marner, you're offering a future first-round draft selection and three former first round selections, one of whom was the first overall. Dubas might prefer to accept the four first-round picks the Oilers would have to give up with that offer sheet. Then again, if he feels he can only get the draft picks in exchange for Marner, Dubas should try trading him to a team that is likely to finish lower in the standing than Edmonton will over these next 4 seasons; I think that could be Los Angeles (if they can move out enough salary).
3. I like the idea of bringing in a player like Panik;
4. I think Kassian made a solid case for himself while playing with McDavid and Draisaitl, and I don't think Connor Brown automatically displaces him;
5. Ugh, that third line (oops, I already mentioned it);