Kleven fits LA's needs on the left MUCH more than Brannstrom does.

Kings need size and ability to defend. Brannstrom does not fit that bill.

You said the Kings need a talented LHD, but then failed to provide one in the trade.

If you don't think Brannstrom is talented then I don't know what to say honestly.

I didn't see this as an improvement for either team per se, more that Ottawa needs a RHD and Los Angeles needs LHD so they swap offensive defensemen.

I love Sean Durzi, but I'm not sure that gets it done unfortunately.

Brannstrom has yet to show any consistency on the offensive side, at the NHL level, and continues to have struggles in the defensive zone, due to his lack of size. Parker Kelly on the other hand, fits LA's style of play from their bottom 6 and would be a good fit, but where would he be a good fit? Maybe as a replacement for Anderson-Dolan, but doubtful, as AD produces on the same pace, maybe better, and cheaper. MacEwen provides more of an enforcer role, that Kelly wouldn't be able to provide.

It's true that Brannstrom hasn't quite figured out the production side of the game but the underlying metrics showed he was the best Sens defenseman for a lot of the year and with different partners. Also, he has gotten a lot better in his own zone.

He's a NHL defenseman, but he's not an upgrade over Bjornfot. If the Kings are trading Durzi, they're going to be looking for a better return than this.

Durzi has significantly more value Brannstrom currently. That difference isn't nearly made up by a 13th forward when LA already has 15+ forward that are battling for a roster, and what amounts to a late 4th round pick. So there's no reason for LA to downgrade players.

Although I do believe that metrics provide a good behind the scenes look at a player, I think in honesty, a solid evaluation requires a mixture of metrics, basic stats and the eye test. For me, Brannstrom is not quite as good as the metrics show, and nowhere near as bad as the base stats suggest.

1. Pinto signs for closer to 3 million per year

2. Kings decline and they would rather move out Walker instead of Durzi.

That's fair.

I think both Walker and Durzi will be moved before next season starts.

What are your asking prices?

~3rd round pick for Walker. 2nd round pick and "good but not great" prospect for Durzi.

Brannstrom is not the type of player Ottawa thought they were getting when they acquired him. He was seen as an offensive d man capable of QB’ing a p.p. He ( or the team ) finally came to the conclusion that he needs to play a simple stay at home style of play. Make a first pass vs. skating it out of the D zone. He is a bottom pair guy but can move up in the order if needed. He plays both sides, i actually think he plays better on the right side but coach Smith disagrees. He is a decent shot blocker but can get knocked off the puck by larger players. Face facts if you get a 6’3” forward screening your goalie there is not much he is going to be able to do. He has accepted playing how he needs to to contribute to the team. Have to admit it he has grown on me , I would not do this deal.

I have Walker valued at a 5th and Durzi valued at a Late 1st + a 3rd.

So...would you do Brannstrom and a 4th for Durzi?

Nah, don't really need/want Brannstrom. Like I said on the other post, Bjornfot and Brannstrom are fighting for the same 3LD spot and I think Bjornfot is better. The Kings do have a need at 2LD, but I don't think either guy fills that need. They need a defense-first big body in that role.

Don't agree with a lot of this Branstom is a +5 Durzi Is a -12 Branstrom Played PK Durzi Played PP. They had opposite roles on their teams and when branstom was elevated for 14-18 games to top 4 he added 8 points to his totals. In Fact if you take away time on the Power play their is 5 point difference in their season. You might want a bigger body but I'd Say that Branstrom is the better player in a Defensive role.