to move up like 40 spots in the middle of the draft? Not really any value in that. Decent chance on who we would take in the end of the 3rd would be there at the beginning of the 5th. With flat caps coming, zero need or interest in that.

The problem is the owners are strapped for cash. They have a significant number of RFA's to sign. They will no doubt be working on an internal cap well below the upper limit like many other teams in the league will be. They aren't going to buy out players or take on players that offer high cap hits and limited production even if other assets are attached.

That’s probably an unpopular opinion among fans and scouts, the 3rd and 5th being equal thing, but it’s not like we aren’t attempting to make fair trades. Maatta and De Hann have positive value IMO, but if Buffalo isn’t a fit then it is what it is.

Smith has negative value, and for that reason we are upgrading one of your assets. It’s not like we are expecting you to take our cap dump for free.

Stats from players from the 3rd round and later are pretty close.

Maatta is another negative player.

He really isn’t. Other than “MaAtTA Is SlOw“ I haven’t heard any arguments that show him as being a negative asset.

As far as I am concerned he passes the eye test during the regular season and other than a dumb penalty yesterday he was solid (and saved a goal)