Put top 5 protection on 2023 1st and I’d do it

This is far too much for Ottawa to give up. Forms and Pinto will play a big part of their future and the Sens are not a CAT away from winning the cup. Cat's value is crazy high but, I dont think that Ottawa would give this much up for him (even with the Cap Dump that they can afford to keep if needed)

I think you are very much glossing over the fact that Murphy is part of that trade and what he brings to the table. Ottawa, with the additions of Cat, Murphy and Sanderson, will be primed to do some damage. And if guys like Stutzle, Tkachuk, Batherson, and Norris are ready to take their game to the next level, Ottawa will be competing as soon as next season. It will probably also help that they are no longer being held back by Melnyk.

I think top 5 protection is fair. I might even argue that top 10 protection would be doable.

Changed it to top 5 protection. I leave the argument of top 10 protection for another time.

This is not a bad offer but I don't think I would do it. For example, I would much rather go after Fiala. Wild fans have agreed to 7th OA pick + JBD (or similar)

So to get ADB instead and upgrade Zaitsev to Murphy, it would cost :

Shane Pinto
Alex Formenton
2023 1st round pick (even if protection)

No, I cant do that. Pinto and Formenton are worth a top-10 and a top-15 pick to Ottawa so this is way too much for us.




I agree with all this. Upgrading Zaitsev to Murphy (assuming 100% healthy going forward) is major here, gives Chabot a legit partner finally


DeBrincat - Stutzle - Batherson
Tkachuk - Norris - Joseph
Formenton - Pinto - Brown
Kelly - Kastelic - Watson
Gambrell

Chabot - Murphy
Sanderson - Zub
Brannstrom - Hamonic
Holden


The problem is Formenton and Pinto would have to be removed from that 3rd line with that proposal... There is several guys coming up but it's a bit early for them. Greig and Jareventie are still 19 y/o. Lodin just moved to NA, Sokolov could be ready but he's a work in progress because of skating. There's Angus Crookshank who could easily make the team but he was injured all season and hasn't played a NHL game yet. Oh, I forgot Colin White, so I guess he'd be there as the 3rd line center

Also, not sure what the plan is but having Holden sitting is not very useful.

But like I said, I am not ready to pay that price. I have my evaluations about Pinto and Formenton (players I have projected for years) and they have much more value than external fans would think. It's an easy DECLINE for me