Edited Apr. 6, 2021 at 9:09 p.m.
Quoting: gmgb
Could you explain what you mean by "David Poile was obviously "way in over his head"."
@sensonfire? That statement doesn't make much sense to me. It seems to imply that Poile either got ripped off (which didn't happen, as he hasn't made a trade) or that he's inexperienced (obviously not the case).
I don't think you can call him audacious or greedy for setting a high price for Ekholm. Poile has a valuable player he isn't at risk of losing for nothing. He can set whatever price he likes - if he can't get what he wants in return, he'd be foolish to sell right now.
When the Avs were in the basement in 16-17, Sakic was getting heat for not moving Duchene. He waited and waited until the next season was already underway before he found his price. His patience was rewarded - he got a huge haul that will help the Avs for the next decade.
Being "in over your head" is a colloquial expression that can mean "getting carried away" or becoming so deeply involved and ambitious that you lost control of the situation.
Poile got carried away and lost control over negotiating with Chevaldayoff on what to do about Ekholm when he asked for Heinola + a 1st.
If anything, Poile was trying to fleece the Jets, not the other way around.
Poile has been a GM in the NHL for 40 years and he should know better.
I have stated in the past and other credible sources have indicated in the past what David Poile was asking for in exchange for Ekholm, which serves as the benchmark for an Ekholm trade.
It is a return similar to what the Kings got for Jake Muzzin.
Other teams should know what the actual price is for Ekholm and Poile should know it too.
The fact that Nashville is no longer in the basement and is actually holding down the last playoff spot in the Central division doesn't change what Ekholm is worth.
At all.
I think Ekholm is a borderline elite defenceman in the NHL who should command a significant return but Poile needs to be more honest about Ekholm is worth.
The fact that we went from a Muzzin-esque return for Ekholm to Heinola + a 1st + "something else" is disingenuous to say the least.
The fact that the Preds are now all of a sudden competing for a playoff spot should not excuse how flustered and greedy David Poile has become at this time of year.
Just my two cents