Something people need to understand about players like McLeod and Malenstyn, is that yes we overpaid to get them. But teams don’t want to give up those types of players. Why does Washington want to give up a young fast, physical, defensive player? Why does Edmonton want to give up a young fast two-way penalty killer that literally is just now coming into his own? The fact Buffalo is dangling a top prospect for over a week to Edmonton shows this.
This isn’t a video game where they are bottom six players so their value is low. Teams don’t like trading away these players. They are cheap, valuable, and bring specific skill sets that teams covet