OOOF, that's nowhere near enough for Labanc... more like Shane Bowers and another asset for Labanc

DET takes it and runs, you would get a lot more for Simek

Yeah, I could see us getting more for Labanc but I don't know which prospect they'd part with. Bowers is in Colorado. Simek might be able to fetch a second-rounder but honestly getting an early third and fourth may have more value than just a second. Either way, I think having 4 second rounders and 6 picks in the top 90 will be incredibly important in restocking the prospect pool while also freeing up space and adding players who can help them make the playoffs next year. They should maximize the number of picks they can get this draft imo.

Devils aren't giving a 4th for Sorensen

I would rather keep those 2nds and make a bigger package for a better player than Labanc. I don't see the value for Ottawa.

For a player that scored 56 points just a year ago, at the cap hit he'll probably sign for, and considering the sens owner and his penny-pinching ways, I think the trade makes a lot of sense.

I like your trades. I like the strategy, too,

I just don't think he's as good as some people think he is.

We get dicked on all these deals. Labanc is worth a late first, not two late seconds

Would you take a late first pick or two picks between 45-55? At that stage quantity over quality especially considering players that might drop in that range. Maybe I could have asked for more in the Simek trade but Gambrell and Sorenson won't fetch more. I know fans won't be happy but ultimately it's a net positive having 5 picks in the top 60 from a stacked draft class and additional picks in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th round where they can also swing for the fences on boom or bust prospects. Labanc is great I'd love to keep him but to add two quality picks for him is fair imo. Simek is ok but replaceable and i'd really like to see Ferraro in an elevated role while cycling in younger guys. With Merkley, Pasichnuk, Knaizev, and potentially some picks from this upcoming draft, the future for this blueline in the next 3 years looks good. Overall I respect your view but I think the ability to add picks here while still constructing a competitive roster allows the best chance for this team to improve moving forward.

Ill be honest I dont really like having one right hander on the whole forward core. I also dont know if you can expect Haula to be able to handle a 2c role as he has not been very good recently. Also I dont see the need to trade Simek right away as he provides a stablizing presence on D, and physicality that none of our other D have.

Yeah I’ll agree that we don’t have enough righty’s, as it relates to Haula I just put him there so we could load up the first line with as much talent as possible. Hertl, Meier, and Couture would garner all the attention from top lines and pairings, so Haula would have easier competition and with Kane and Toffoli flanking him, that line would be pretty darn good imo. If it doesn’t work out you could always move Toffoli up, slot Hertl back at 2C, and shift Haula to the wing. He’s a versatile forward and at 3 mil is a good investment if they get him at that price. Simek is good but I think they can replace him with Soucy honestly and give Ferraro more minutes. That’s just my opinion but I think having mobile defenders means spending less time on the boards and in your own zone which also means you don’t need to have a lot of physicality. It won’t happen yet obviously but a Ferraro and Karlsson pairing is the way the sharks need to go imo. That is the future! Honestly I’d be ecstatic if Merkley made it too but thats not likely so having soucy and Rutta as stop gaps should fill those rolls while prospects develop in a year or two.

Just my opinion though, I can see why having more physical presence would appeal to people because it offers a stylistic variance. But I think committing fully to speed and mobility on the blue line will mask the lack of speed in the forwards.