I still say they would not do the trade. much as I love OEL.

but for posterity...

I'd rather trade Goldobin than Meier. Meier is the power forward we have been wanting for awhile. Goldobin is skilled no doubt. Probably more skilled. Meier would mesh with the Joe's line far better. He is a drive the net kinda guy, while Goldobin is more of a playmaker. I want the sandpaper in our top 6.

Why are we trading Smith? Smith was one of our best faceoff guys and Pkers in the final stretch of the season. That's the kind of 4th liner you want.

Goodrow was decent as a 4th liner, but you have pretty much seen his ceiling. Does not kill penalties, does not do faceoffs and does not finish.

Meier/Thornton/Pavelski
Marleau/Couture/Ward
Hertl/Tierney/Wingels
Karlsson/Smith/Nieto
Torres

That 3rd line was great towards the end of last season. Let it keep going.
The 4th line with Karlsson + Nieto immediately gets better at possession and can rack up points better than most 4th lines, and Smith is a faceoff wiz and decent defensively.

Quite frankly, if you get Larsson, there is no need to grab Zidlicky. OEL immediately becomes our best two way Dman, and can share PP duties with Burns. And OEL can absolutely EAT icetime in all situations. So can Vlasic to be honest. Zidlicky has a good shot, but is small, old and gets pushed around easily. The reason I wanted him was to have another offensive DMAN and a guy for the 2nd PP unit. With OEL and Burns, that is no longer necessary.

Vlasic, Braun, Martin and OEL on the PK. Burns and OEL on the PP.

At ES, roll the lines fairly even. Martin can easily cover for Tennyson

It's probably a fair trade but like you said, I don't think they would take it. I think Meier vs Goldobin would definitely be a deal-breaker.

Interesting trade nonetheless.

Thanks for the feedback - interesting perspective on Goldobin vs. Meier, Goodrow, the defense, and Smith (whom I traded just as a cap casualty, but I found a way around it so I reverted the trade. Much agreed, he's an ideal 4th liner, especially with his PK abilities).

I've updated the proposal and roster with some of your suggestions (even though I kept Meier over Goldobin, he's not ready enough to come straight to the NHL this year, next year I think he has a great shot. And I'm not a fan of Nieto on the 4th line) and it looks much better! Shame it's all hypothetical.