Thread Starter
Joined: Apr. 2018
Posts: 155
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So--I anticipated these responses--many with which I do not disagree. This is not dissimilar to other armchair deals I've proposed here before. Call me a glutton for punishment.
I do not honestly think such a deal is feasible, nor am I trying to convince anyone otherwise. Hence, the thread title.
But there is logic behind why I would do this, if it were feasible. I don't expect any of you to agree, and I know that flamers are gonna flame anyway. But I will share my thought process.
1. Assuming Lou really covets Tarasenko: Tank's questionable health diminishes his value, Mayfield's contract enhances his. I am considering Mayfield for Tarasenko to be *almost* an even swap, and that part of the trade, alone, helps both clubs improve.
2. Bailey clears cap for NYI brings a Steen style presence, reliable two-way play, and experience. Adding another skilled defensive forward is critical if the Blues intend to get a good look at Neighbors, or give significant ice to Kostin--especially since Sundqvist isn't expected to be available to start the season. Perunovich is the piece I would give up to get Bailey. The Blues are stacked on LD with immovable contracts. There is nowhere for Perunovich on this roster. Getting value for him now is prudent--it isn't "throwing him away". What would be a waste is letting him languish in the AHL until his contract expires or his value dries up. Isles need quality defensive depth anyway, even if they keep Mayfield.
3. Bortuzzo is included for cap purposes, and as a serviceable (if unattractive) replacement for Mayfield's defensive assignments. Yes, it is a downgrade at that position, but the upgrade at forward compensates for this. And, Bortuzzo isn't just a guy--he's a very underrated player. In fact, this is the one piece of the trade that I'm most uncomfortable with, because he's a valuable asset the Blues will miss, even with Mayfield.
4. I've argued here and elsewhere that Thomas and Bellows are a wash. They were drafted a year apart at nearly the same spot. Thomas got a jumpstart on his career playing for a championship team, but he's plateau'd. Bellows has seasoned a bit longer, but has similar upside. The difference is, Thomas is a playmaker, Bellows is a finisher. The Blues need more of the latter, and I think the Isles can use more of the former.
All of that is controversial conjecture, but it's not as wild as it sounds. Though, yes, it is unrealistic.