trades are fine but there is so much more you can do with 11m than roll out a 2nd line of JVR-Domi-Brown

Nashville probably makes that trade, maybe even without any retention.

I disagree. Even with the retention, Mantha isn't putting up enough offense to justify that salary. Plus it's one less forward spot available for Tomasino, Evangelista, Novak, etc., who are all more likely to out produce Mantha.

I suppose you’re right. I was thinking more of the Arizona approach: bring him on, help him perform, and trade him for a profit.

I see the logic, but does any forward get better when they get to NSH though? Even if his production goes up a bit, how much more than a 3rd does he fetch at the deadline? And if he gets hurt or is otherwise unavailable at the deadline, NSH gave up a 3rd in a building year for nothing.

I could see NSH going with more of a CHI approach to tanking here. Sign UFA vets to one yr deals, then flip them at the deadline. That way they're not out any picks, if they can't move those guys later on.