I actually like that deal for Laine. Not particularly happy to send him to Washington but…that is a decent return for him.

I don't. The Blue Jackers have an overpaid goalie with term already in Merzlikins and now they should take on another one in Kuemper?

A month or so ago, there were proposals for a Merzlikins-Kuemper swap. It seemed to make sense at first, but it turned out that would be horrible for the Blue Jackets since Kuemper is actually more expensive to buy out than Merzlikins is.

So for me, Kuemper is a no-go.

EDIT: Removing the Kuemper part of the trade would make me slightly more positive. But only if Laine demands a trade.

No, we'll want more for Trevor Zegras. The difference between those two 2019 draftees is a lot more than the value of a speculative future first.

McMichael, career to date: 155 games, 27 goals, 24 assists = 51 points
Zegras, first three seasons: 180 games, 49 goals, 90 assists = 139 points

I can’t picture WAS acquiring Zegras. They absolutely have the piece to do it with Leonard, but they (rightfully so) will have no interest in moving him. If I’m Verbeek, the conversation starts and ends there