That Buffalo trade doesnt makes sense for either team

Please no OEL. That contract is one of the worst in the league. Arizona would need to retain at least 2mil to consider taking him IMO.

I would really like that as a Habs fan. Adding Kent Johnson, Chaz Lucius or even Brandt Clarke to our young group is really nice.

I mean as a Habs fan I'll take that draft trade but in all honesty that is fleece of epic proportions. To move up that amount of spots would cost a late 1st at a minimum. Not a mid 2nd round pick. The potential difference between Johnson and Raty is pretty big.

The Buffalo trade - unlikely that Schmidt agrees to waive NTC to go to Buffalo anyways, but I think the deal makes a lot of sense for both teams. Canucks can walk from Risto after one year if he doesn't work out and chase down one of the many high end RD's that will be UFA. Reinhart should be a really good fit with Horvat and Pearson. Buffalo will be starting over again, and both Miller and Schmidt can get them some pretty good pick/prospect packages.

OEL - couldn't disagree more. This guy has flown under the radar in Arizona. He may be one of the best two-way defensemen in the league. If Doughty is the high water mark at 11.5 mil, 8 and a quarter for OEL is a bargain. And quality D typically have a longer shelf life than forwards. The Canucks need an immediate serious upgrade on the blueline if they are going to contend with this core.

The Montreal trade - Depends what you think of Raty. I think he can be an elite 3C and I think he can challenge for a roster spot right away or year 2 at the latest. He potentially fills in a gaping hole in this organization that Benning created when he traded Madden and ruined Gaudette's development by forcing him into the NHL too soon. And they replace their 2nd round pick. It all depends on how the players involved develop, I guess. I don't think a 2C for a 3C and a 2nd round pick is much of an overpayment.

Benning talked about aggression, and he is least smart enough to realize that that is the necessary course. He can't allow this core to become another Buffalo or Edmonton. Aggression means high risk for high reward, and this is what it looks like.