I think Id' rather have Foote ++ than Sergachev, as I'm not really sold on Serg based on a year of playing minimal minutes on the best team in the league. Though playing in the NHL at this age at all is impressive.
Howden I like but I think we're realistically looking at a middle 6 center with him. Which isn't bad, but not what I'd hope for as a centerpiece in a McDonagh trade.
I like Sergachev a lot, I just don't think he's as far ahead of the curve as he's been made out to be. I think his potential has kind of taken on a life of its own. But then again, I thought the same thing about the guy for whom he was traded. I'm still waiting for him to resemble the player some people have sworn he was as well. Needless to say, that's why I often politely shrug when all but a handful of people come at me with their evaluations.
Personally, I'd rather have a package that includes Foote. I think we'd get more long-term value out of it. Of course, that depends on the package.
As for Howden, I would've pegged him as middle six at the time of his draft. I very much admit own that. But that kid's game has developed VERY nicely. He's a two-way threat whose entire game just keeps getting better and more refined.
On a scale of 1-10 on progress since being drafted, this kid was easily score in the 8-10 range. It's not just the scoring progress in the WHL, where he's on a 44 goal, 115 point pace over a full schedule. It's the WJCs, the tournaments, his play as a teenager in the AHL last season, his big-game performances, etc.
I think this kid is a legit top six prospect at this point. His game is very intelligent and his skill set is underrated.
I wouldn't sleep on him. I really wouldn't.
