Quoting: GMs
Buch + 2nd doesn’t makes us better and isn’t worth it
It’s probably going to look like an overpayment if Danault gets traded with an extension attached to it
First let me thank everyone who commented. I appreciate you all taking the time to look at the post, and I feel like everyone was reasonable and respectful.
My thinking in the trades I proposed:
Staal- I know he, like DeAngelo are whipping boys for fans, but Staal had a good season. He is a big bodied, fairly physical defensive defenseman with leadership and playoff experience. I know it will surprise fans but I do believe he would bring in a 2nd rounder (3rd at worst) from someone if the rangers retained 50%. As a side note, I believe the majority of the rangers defensive problems result from their forwards failing to provide the dmen with proper support in the defensive zone.
Acquiring Danault- to the habs fans, I hear you. It was a hard trade to try to figure out. From a rangers perspective, obviously I dont want them to overpay, but I wasnt trying to rob Montreal either. the one guy Montreal would probably love from this roster would be Kreider, but I think that is too steep a price to pay. The rangers dont have any other big, physical and talented wingers. Last year aside, Buchnevich produces at a better rate offensively, and I think showed marked improvement away from the puck last year. With Danault in the last year of his contract, I wouldnt pay too much more than I did for him. They could likely just sign him in free agency next season. That being said, if Montreal did let the rangers negotiate an extension, that could be a different story. As far as Montreals motivation for trading Danault, I think there is reason for it. He is in the last year of his deal and unhappy with his situation. If they dont accommodate his request to play higher in the line up he would likely test the market next year. Why lose him for nothing, when you could trade him (not saying they couldnt get a better offer elsewhere). My general philosophy is simple, if you aren't a stanley cup favorite you should trade any player that has value before you lose him for nothing to free agency. Obviously there are exceptions to that rule though.