Quoting: qc14
On the first deal: I think despite what Leafs fans may say all of the pieces going to them in that deal make sense and would be great adds. The price though is way too high and you don't really see big package deals like that often. Given they don't have many mid-level assets, I think they wouldn't be the best fit for guys like Lindgren and Dowd. Could definitely see them as a landing spot for Pacioretty 50% retained for like a 5th or similar.
On the second: that probably gets Zegras done but I would be VERY hesitant to do so. I just don't see him as a real driver and for that price I kind of expect it.
On the third: I really like the idea and its intriguing but I honestly think that the Caps pass on their current trajectory. If Ovi was retiring after this year or wasn't close to hitting the record and they were going for a full on rebuild I love it. They aren't though, and I honestly think that for what the org is trying to accomplish the next 2.5 years Strome is more important than Byram -- he really is the Ovi whisperer and has been legitimately great for this team on a very friendly deal. If Byram was a forward I would say do it, but they absolutely NEED someone to play with Ovi.
From a COL perspective, I would take this and run. People are way underrating Strome here -- his age, his production, and his contract -- and he would be a pretty perfect fit at 2c for them. Mantha and TVR aren't nothing pieces either, especially 50% retained. Mantha has been probably their 2nd best forward this year and playing the best hockey of his career. A great middle 6 rental winger for a team expecting to make a deep run that desperately needs that. TVR at 1.5m for 3 years too provides great depth on the blue line and he can play either side. Solves so many of their problems this year (and for the next 4 with Strome) and while Byram has the potential to be special he hasn't quite been so yet and also carries a ton of risk given he's maybe one bad hit away from having real health problems.
Thanks for taking the time to write all that.
I do see your point on maybe reaching on the return package. I guess I might underestimate Minten as a prospect, and I thought Leafs fans would think their 1st would be the 32nd OA, which is basically a 2nd round pick. And I know those packages of 4 roster players are rarely, if ever, seen. I just thought they fit the bill.
I admit Zegras isn’t a 100% fit of what Caps need, but his talent is unparalleled in the organization and hard to come by unless they go heavy tank which is unlikely. And players like him don’t become available very often.
I agree on your take and I think the organization view it like that as well. They kind of owe it to Ovie to remain relevant and Strome is probably more likely to contribute to that than Byram right now. But my reasoning here is the same as for Zegras, there’s no one in the prospect pool with his upside. And I agree that his injury history scares me a little as well.
The Avs are really dealing from a position of strength with their D and I’d assume they’d like a more balanced roster that kept them contending without having to do patchwork every TDL.
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