I am a little bit surprised at the negative reactions to this deal, to be honest. I get it, we really suck right now. And everyone is to blame, pretty much. But in a vacuum, this is a solid trade. Sometimes, timing matters when making deals and moves in general. After that "performance" on Monday night, if you don't react you risk everybody checking out. Also, trading a seemingly popular player is also a wake-up call. A bit of a shake-up. This team seems to respond only to shake-ups but it happens too rarely under Sullivan. Sullivan's idea of a shake-up is to move Bryan Rust to Crosby's line. Every time, all the time, no matter what. He never benches anybody other than his fringy Europeans or any player over the age of 26. So at least Dubas traded away a player that Sullivan loves.
Let's face it, Eller should have been traded a long time ago. It was ridiculous to start this season with him after bringing in Hayes and Lizotte. Is he better than those two guys? Sure, but it is about the numbers game. Too many redundant players on this roster, and that has been the case for some time now. Plus, Eller played way too much on this team. Him no longer playing on the PP gives guys like Puljujarvi and Puustinen more possibilities, er, possibly. The guy behind the bench still calls the shots, though.
Now, having said that, you can't publicly state that anyone is up for grabs save for the captain, and then end your shopping spree with Eller for two picks. This has to be a start, and not the end to the shake-up. Otherwise, it is more smoke from Dubas and not enough fire. A familiar theme since he came here.
The picks are fine. In a case like this, you take the best deal and not be picky about draft year or even the team you are sending the player. We beat Washington with Eller in our lineup. I am sure we can still beat Washington with him back in their lineup.
NOW, let's see if Dubas can do something to fix the blueline or find a taker for Tristan Jarry. Then I would be impressed.
Of course, the downside to this trade is that we are that much closer to seeing Matt Nieto back in the lineup. Gotta have that extra PK specialist, right?