I like Cam Atkinson but dear lord the cost!

Taking back ladd

The most important move in terms of this year's standings is the most realistic one in terms of value, here. Kinkaid is a decent backup and could help this team make the playoffs. His 65 career wins are 65 more than Merzlikins has so far. It might be better for the franchise, long term, to develop Merzlikins, but they also don't want to wreck his confidence. If the Jackets want to win more games, Kinkaid should help with that.

Atkinson could get Holmstrom, 1st, 2nd, at the deadline. Maybe even a 2nd on top of that for taking Ladd, but assuming Ladd's contract is insured at 80%, it costs about 4-5M, with zero cap hit. To land a Wahlstrom the Blue Jackets would have had to hit sell on Panarin or Bobrovski, and miss the chance to head into last year's playoffs as real contenders.

Even still. You've got NYI's top forward prospect and 2 unprotected 1st rounders going out the door. I'm sure some basement dwelling team (usually Arizona but they're actually good this year) would take his cap hit for less

Montreal rejects.