We've been offered thirds for Kulikov from Carolina, Rangers and Toronto, so we'd decline this offer, particularly inasmuch as UFA Derek Ryan is a minus for us, not a plus.

The Ducks aren't trading Kulikov retained for a UFA forward and a future 4th. If that's the offer I'd rather let him play out the season in Anaheim and walk away as a free agent in the summer. The Ducks need bodies for all the games past the TDL and it's not like they are going to call someone up from the AHL last place Gulls.

A cogent point I'd overlooked in my latest TDL drafts.

Nits to pick:

Why is Bouchard getting scratched?? Thats insane.

Also, no interest in bringing Kulikov back, he sucked before and isn't getting any better.

The Toews retention shouldn't cost more than a 5th or 6th to CLB.

Boy, the reflection from your homer glasses is blinding.

In the exact same number of games, Kulikov has one fewer point than the more expensive Brett Kulak and three points more than the significantly more expensive Cody Ceci, on a team which has scored 62 goals fewer (and thus had 128 fewer points available) than the Oilers. And before we get to discussing defensive stats, let's recall that Edmonton has given up 43 fewer goals than Anaheim, too, and not a lot of that is attributable to Kulikov.

Once bitten, twice shy. Holland isn't going back to that well.

Do you have him confused with someone else? He only played 10 games with you, scoring 2 assists and being plus one. For that, you say "he sucked before"?!?!?

He wasn't good in the playoffs and ended up being healthy scratched.

He's not better than Kulak or Broberg.

Oh, and they paid a 4th round pick for him that time. He's not worth more than that now.

They need 1 more defense who is capable of playing second pairing for a game or two but doesn't cost much.

Holland will always go back to a veteran.

He let him walk in the summer without even putting an offer on the table. He's not spending picks for the guy now.

He's trading for someone. A playoff run needs 10 defence and they have 9. Anybody can say find someone better and not suggest someone!

There's no evidence Kulikov can play 2nd pairing effectively though. He's getting eaten alive v Elites, 20% goal share.

Take Lafferty out of the trade and the Hawks accept.