Team: 2016-17 Columbus Blue Jackets

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 15, 2016

Published: Jun. 15, 2016

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

In this scenario, I think it is pretty fair across the board.

In the Nashville trade, they get the scoring depth they desprately need. Hartnell, even though he is getting older, is a player who is steady. He provides toughness and garbage goals. Nashville knows him well and should fit in nicely there.

Toronto trade is mainly a small salary dump. McElhinney gives them a backup goaltender at cheap price and Goloubef gives them depth on defense. Both on expiring contracts. Pretty even swap.

The Detroit trade sends Jack Johnson to his home state. He will help stabilize the blueline. Brendan Smith has underperformed and it is time for Detroit to move on. The Jackets take Smith back to help Detroit with salary. But receives a 2nd round pick to do so. This is about the best thing Detroit can hope for.

Now the LA Kings, this does multiple things. First, LA is being hand cuffed by the salary cap. They need to get out of cap hell and I believe this will do it. They will not find a suitor willing to take the Dustin Brown contract. So, they will need to be creative. They face a conundrum next offseason when both Toffoli and Pearson come up for contracts. They will not be able to sign both of them so dealing one now is the best thing. Pearson has a higher upside would likely be the one they would keep. In this deal LA receives a young cost controlled winger to replace Toffoli. They also receive a forth line center in Campbell to replace Trevor Lewis who is heading for free agency. Prout is an important player here. He is signed to a cheap contract and his style of play will be welcomed in LA. They offload Scuderi. And only give up a 4th round pick. While gaining a second. Technically the Jackets are getting the shorter end but with all the trades being completed are now in a better cap shape than before and will be able to continue to be in good shape.

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