Colin400
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 75
Likes: 1
You say these are realistic, and that's where I'll disagree.
Firstly, the Sens will never trade Karlsson. Never. He's the face of the franchise. And the Dallas Stars will never trade Jamie Benn. Never. He's also the face of the franchise (with Tyler Seguin). That completely eliminates the realism of the first trade, without even looking at value.
The second trade could make sense, as Pittsburgh downgrades their second line centre to someone still really good for an upgrade on defense, without either team swapping salary.
But if Pittsburgh's trying to upgrade on defense and willing to trade Malkin to do it, there will definitely be a better deal on the table than for Phaneuf.
Same thing with the final trade. If Anaheim is willing to trade Vatanen, there will surely be a better deal on the table than an overpayed aging winger with a couple spare parts. Young defensemen are at a premium, which inflates their value.
So to acquire Vatanen you'd be in a bidding war for a player with an already inflated price tag. Good luck trying to make that deal go through.
I know you like to say (I'm pretty sure it's you) that it's a good trade if our team looks better, which is definitely true. But the goal isn't to be the winner in the trade, but for BOTH teams to be winners. That's why trading exists. So keep that in mind.