Most definitely a 0 on the Dano meter (0 in Nico-meters as well!)
As for the deadline talk, I feel like this discourse is missing the plot. As others have mentioned, if we’re in the position we’re currently in by the deadline, the only moves you’ll see will be to shore up depth at forward with draft capital. It is very unlikely that Fitz flips or sells anyone off if we’re buyers. It hasn’t been his nature, and he’s made the point before that the deadline doesn’t necessarily offer magic solutions in the short term. He recognizes it’s challenging for players and the team in general. He’s made only a couple exceptions and it was because they were intended to be long term commitments in Timo and Allen.
He is not going to torpedo the locker room when the team is playing well. Siegs and Kovacevic have been one of the best defensive pairings in all of hockey for the first 20 games. Palat has been a part of Jack and Bratt going on hot streaks. You can argue they would have anyway (I’m sure they would have), but they both speak highly about what he brings to their line and the locker room.
All that said, it’s way too early to have these discussions especially when the team is playing as well as they are. It’s a long season, people can go on cold streaks or get hurt. We don’t know exactly what’s around the corner. But you don’t mess with what’s working, you try to fortify it further.
Agree with you here on not getting too much if we're in a similar position by trade deadline. More forward depth is probably all we need.
I'm a big believer in not disrupting a lot in team chemistry if the team is really rolling all season long as a top flight team, there is a reason why that is successful. You don't sell glue guys or guys just because they're on a 1 year, it really would have to not disrupt the team morale.
So the idea that Kovacevic would be a possible guy to move at the deadline, seems absurd to me, particularly as he is playing so well, and near top pairings for us.
Tatar in theory could be moved, but he IS a depth forward which may be needed in the stretch run, and we're looking to have forward depth, and he is most probably part of the team success morale, as teammates had said he is a really good guy in the locker-room, the core was thrilled to have him back.
You can maybe upgrade Bastian (would be sad), but who would be looking for him, he would be a throw-in in a deal only. There is no one else to give - Haula is a glue guy, except for some prospects Lenni, Gritsyuk or blue-chips (Nemo/Casey)....but that would be INSANE on the blue-chips for rental material.
I don't think we want to give up more picks to get players, as you said we would need to fill the draft capital back at some point soon, since the last few years (Meier trade, etc).
It will be a challenging TD decision point for the GM, if we are in a similar position we are today.
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