Roster Architect
Joined: Mar. 2021
Posts: 2,643
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I don't think this is smart for Toronto nor do I think they'd do it. Dubas did say that he'd trade a top prospect to help the team now, but Sandin is as close to an untouchable as you can get: you'd have to knock their socks off to get him out of Toronto. He'll be a full time player after they likely lose Dermott to Seattle, and the fact that he's not waiver eligible makes him extremely valuable for a playoff run. Same goes for Robertson really. I think when Dubas said he'd "trade a top prospect to help the team now" he was more referring to Liljegren or Amirov or the 1st round pick. But guys like Sandin and Robertson who are clearly NHL options at some time in the near future are valued extremely high by a team that's tight to the cap.
I don't think it's terrible value for Rakell, but a tad of an overpay. I think the prospect quality isn't an A one that would be given up, likely closer to a B prospect or 2 but the quality of Rakell's play just ins't enough to justify an A prospect. He's been on a hot streak, but he hasn't been a consistent offensive force in 3 years. Anaheim can have the price high right now but I doubt teams bite on it if an A prospect has to be involved.