I know, I know... hear me out though. Ryan Pulock and John Gabriel Pageau for Mika Zibenajad as basis for trade. Add small pieces as needed.
- Pulock and Mika contracts both run until 2030. Pulock at 6.15 and Mika at 8.5 JGP 5M and expires this season
- All players have trade protection but are more willing to waive because they won't have to move.
- Isles will have Cal Ritchie on an ELC for 3/4 years of Zibenajad's contract. Good insulation for him, and if he develops well maybe he overtakes him.
- Pulock insulates Schneider and lets him develop properly while he's still on bridge deals and stuff. NMC turns into NTC after this season and Drury can Drury him if he wants more easily than Mika.
- JGP stopgap C option for Rags until they inevitably go after someone huge in 2026 offseason.
Who says no?
- Pulock and Mika contracts both run until 2030. Pulock at 6.15 and Mika at 8.5 JGP 5M and expires this season
- All players have trade protection but are more willing to waive because they won't have to move.
- Isles will have Cal Ritchie on an ELC for 3/4 years of Zibenajad's contract. Good insulation for him, and if he develops well maybe he overtakes him.
- Pulock insulates Schneider and lets him develop properly while he's still on bridge deals and stuff. NMC turns into NTC after this season and Drury can Drury him if he wants more easily than Mika.
- JGP stopgap C option for Rags until they inevitably go after someone huge in 2026 offseason.
Who says no?