I would switch faulk and CP

I cringe at the thought of Faulk and Krug

eh its fine they played well most of the year together and CP taking all the defeseive duty from krug really hurt him last year

IDK if the blues do that second trade

Both teams decline.

NSH doesn’t consider that

I'd be curious to know what Nashville would have to have for Ekholm. They haven't extended him with only a year before he walks. They won't be competitive any time soon so why would they not want to get something for him while they can?

Poile has stated on more than one occasion that his intention is to sign him, but if they don't, they'll get a much better offer than this. A rebuilding team (signified by the Ekholm traded) does not want a multi-year, 31+ year old defenseman making $3m+. And Kostin + 3rd is not enough compensation for Ekholm. If he is traded, a 1st will very likely be part of the package. Add to that a good prospect and likely a cap dump (not multi-year like Scandella though, that's too much). That's what they would be looking for. I don't dislike Kostin, but also don't think he has a very high ceiling and NSH could likely find a better prospect from another team. He does bring size and is Russian (is nice to bring in some Russian guys for when Askarov comes in -- Trenin, Afanasyev, Svechkov, potentially Kostin if a deal with STL goes through) -- but ultimately, this deal just doesn't have enough value coming back from NSH.

Ultimately, I think he re-signs in NSH around 4 x $6m. Rolling a defense of Josi - Myers/Fabbro // Ekholm - Carrier will definitely help them be competitive sooner rather than later. They also have a young defenseman in Farrance that should be in the NHL very soon. The defense is pretty much set and then they really only need a top 6 C before they can start competing again -- the Duchene/Johansen contracts just suck. But if Glass, Kunin, Tomasino, and/or Tolvanen can show they are top 6 forwards, then they're in pretty good shape.

We'll see though...