There's no way they like him that much.
Gagner has negative value and Cassels has zero value so it's basically that package for Gudbranson. Two solid young NHLers + a top prospect (probably #3 or #4 in their system) is arguably more than we paid for Gudbranson in the first place.
There's nothing coming from OTT that I would place above McCann + 33rd. We clearly disagree there.
This is not about what you or I think of Gudbranson. If we go by that, no GM should take him. He's an overpaid bottom pair dman - what's the need? A bottom pairing Dman can be had on waivers. Or, a mid-draft pick if a GM is being generous...
For EG, we have trade markers like McCann + 33rd and Demers. That's above the mid-draft pick rate, IMO. Is Demers a better Dman than Ceci in your opinion? If he is, then the argument is that Ceci is the better asset despite being the inferior Dman. If Demers is not better, then I can see why you think EG doesn't garner anything close in value.
Because most people would regard that premise as extremely unlikely and you've provided no evidence it may be true. and you've included multiple assets coming back that Dorion would probably value individually over Gudbranson, and included a pure cap dump making 3.1 million going the other way, and then thrown in a worthless prospect who can't play in the NHL to provide a superficial numerical appearance of evenness.
Wait, how are you supposing that Dorion would "probably value individually" each asset over Gudbranson? Evidence? What is your evidence that Gagner is viewed as a "pure cap dump" around the league?
Let's be clear here: You and I know that Gudbranson and Gagner suck. That isn't under debate. The premise is based upon what other GMs may or may not think about these players. In a league where Benning is a GM, there exists a Tallon, a Dorion, a Chiarelli etc... In this same league, Benning gave up McCann and the 33rd for Gudbranson (about a year ago), and was lauded for it by a number of media sources at the time (I believe sportsnet in particular). In this same league, your contention is that another GM cannot see Gudbranson as anything other than an overpaid bottom pairing Dman? C'mon. Seriously? Now
that's hyperbole.
- OTT scouts were at 2 games last week (Dhaliwal Twitter). The other team was BUF.
- Dorion is speculated to be making big changes (Dreger).
- OTT was one of the 17 teams represented by a scout at the PHI game (Twitter).
- OTT has shown recent interest in Gudbranson (Renaud Lavoie, TSN by way of the Jeff Blair show)
- OTT's cap structure would allow for an addition on defense.
I don't think OTT seriously considers EG unless they are willing to move on from Ceci. Since they are proven to have interest, I have to think Ceci is on the outs. That's why I think they may value EG more. That's my evidence. Over to you.