TDL 23 Motte 50% retained.

As much as Motte is a fabulous defensive player, expiring contracts must go. With Norris on the shelf for the rest of the year, any hope of making the playoffs are pretty much gone. Set up 23-24.

TDL 23 - Holden

Holden does hold a 10 team no trade list, and out of the teams in the hunt, Buffalo is the team that would have an immediate spot for him. I can't see him waiving to be 7th D, which would be the case for most the clubs that are legit Cup threats. An improved blueline males Buffalo much more dangerous, and I have to think Holden would see that.

TDL 23 - Talbot 50% retained

One has to think the Kings will be looking to upgrade their goaltending. I mean, I wouldn't feel that warm.and fuzzy running with Quick and Copley (granted it seems to be working).

But, since I see the Kings set up for a possible long run, I am.one to think Blake just maybe looking for something more stable, which Talbot is..... putting up decent numbers behind a much worse team. Behind a much better LA defense, Talbot could be the guy that leads them. The west is really up for grabs.

Now, I get that Fagemo is a helluva good looking prospect, but this is a case of a finite goalie market and a pay to play scenario.

So, the draft puck becomes conditional. If LA fails.to make the conference finals, they recieve the 2nd.

To make it to the final 4 at the cost of Fagemo I think is a place Blake goes. Failing that objective, I beleive Blake would want a safe guard in play, after all, LA is making the playoffs with what they have. Talbot is a push.

Further, we have seen different plays for Demko, but I am not so sure the Kings are ready to give up on Peterson yet. They have a guy long term there, and where Peterson is right now, to flip him for a goalie with term will cost LA more.

That hasn't been Blake's style.

Hence, Talbot is the fit.

TDL 23 - Talbot 50% retained

Ottawa probably doesn't bring Talbot back, but he has been awefully good for them. As stated above, the deadline goalie market is finite, so there is a premium on landing a good one.

Fagemo is a very good prospect. One that looks NHL ready in a 3rd line role. The reason for the target over a puck is simple: he will play and he is cheap.

Again, as stated above, I think for this to work, the conditional pick has to be in play, otherwise I frankly don't see Blake pulling the trigger; even though an upgrade in net is needed imo.

The long rumored Zaitsev move to Arizona finally happens to help them reach basement.

Yotes get a 2nd, we'll, because they should for taking him on for the last year.