I like both of those deals. If Landy won't sign a good deal I think extending Saad and getting Kessel+Rakell would be a great move

Anaheim would have strongly considered that deal if the pick were the Avs' 2021 first. But a 2023 second would result in a player who (a) wouldn't be likely to make the NHL until 2026, two or three years later than the player chosen with the 2021 first, and (b) less likely to make the NHL at all.

That could be, I struggled a bit with Rakell's worth as a 1 year rental player. I may have been over valuing helleson's value on the deal too much. I'm not sure if I would do the trade for a 1st. I would probably start the season without Rakell and then get a better rental forward at or closer to the trade deadline with that first if that's the case. There are some potentially great rentals at the deadline this year, depending on which teams are sellers.

Absolutely correct analysis. I think it's too late for us to get any good deal for Rakell unless for it's a better prospect than pick, i.e., an A prospect and a 2022 second.

price seems steep for kessel.

What would you propose for a trade instead?

change kaut to bowers.

Yeah, I'd do that if Arizona would take it for sure.