Quoting: Hockeygoalie53
I understand what you're saying. I just don't think it's going to take taking back another 6m per year contract to move JB. And, honestly, if that's what teams are requiring then I'd rather just keep Boychuk and move other players. Mayfield (even though I don't want to move him) would be easily moveable to clear a spot for Dobson, though doesn't really help the Salary Cap issues, which is the point is moving JB. If we aren't getting CAP relief to sign the big 3 next season, then there is no reason to move Boychuk, in my opinion.
Would you rather have a Boychuck equivalent but as a forward? Because that could be an option. Less spots available on defense but on forward you may have use for a player like that.
As much as you don't mind Boychuck, there is simply no space for him or at the very least there is players pushing him out within the year or next.
Cap space in today's NHL is paramount. I don't think you quite understand the importance of making every dollar count. There is currently only 1 team in the NHL that can take on Boychucks full salary and only 9 that can take him on with 50% retained. Four of those 9 teams are tanking right now. 1 of those other 5 is The isles. That leaves 4 teams in the NHL that can take JB right now.
MTL, WPG, COL and Nashville. Winnipeg is the only team I could see maybe being willing to add Boychuck but then again, they are barely a playoff team and are sitting in limbo till the Buff situation comes into play.
We haven't even gotten to the fact that JB has a 8 team trade list he will accept to...................
He's 35 turning 36 in Jan. He has a 23 team NTC. He makes 6M for 3 years. You cannot argue the odds are stacked against the Isles right now. Believe what you want but I would almost guarantee no teams would take JB even with 50% without some form of cap going back the other way also. He simply is not good enough and his contract is simply not enticing enough for that to be a possibility.
That is to say, despite still being a serviceable player.