So... trade for Braun then scratch him? Not to mention both ARI and PHI reject those trades. Manson himself likely blocks the trade too.

No, we're not exchanging one veteran RD for another. If we have to trade Josh Manson, at least one element will be a high draft pick or a good prospect.

So a pending UFA in Koskinen and 1st round picks that are at least 3-4 years away from being NHL ready. And why would any sane GM make this trade?

You have more faith in Hart than I. Dude was arguably the worst goalie in the NHL last year, 3 firsts is a MASSIVE bet to make. Braun's a fine enough defense-first guy, but if that's what you're after, Kulak'd probably be better at the same price.

Manson's GAR over the last few years is actually pretty substantially worse than Barrie's. Manson's about as bad offensively as Barrie is defensively, but Tyson's legitimately quite good on the PP, whereas Manson's SHD was negative last year and is negative again this year.



That's sorta the thing with the ANA deal. If Manson is significantly better than Barrie, ANA says no. If he isn't, what's the point?