I really like the idea Granlund for 3C. I think he would be a perfect fit for Nylander and give us 3 elite lines. Essentially 3 first lines. I also think Robertson could benefit a lot from playing with a playmaking C like Granlund.Ideal pre-deadline:
Granlund (50% retained by Blue Jackets) for Robertson + 26 1st + 25 4th (to BJs)
Holmberg + 25 3rd + B/C prospect for B Tanev 50%
Knies - Matthews - Domi
McMann - Tavares - Marner
Tanev - Granlund - Nylander
Lorentz - Kampf - Dewar/Reaves
Pacioretty bumps Tanev down if/when he comes back.
I will start the bidding at Chicago's 3rd Rd Pick and our 2026 6 Rd Pick together.I'd do a conditional trade... Chicago's 3rd round 2025 pick, if he plays more than 10 games, or our 2026 6th round back.
Ideal pre-deadline:
Granlund (50% retained by Blue Jackets) for Robertson + 26 1st + 25 4th (to BJs)
Holmberg + 25 3rd + B/C prospect for B Tanev 50%
Knies - Matthews - Domi
McMann - Tavares - Marner
Tanev - Granlund - Nylander
Lorentz - Kampf - Dewar/Reaves
Pacioretty bumps Tanev down if/when he comes back.
Zegras & McTavish to Toronto for Robertson, Niemela, Minten, Akhtyamov, Kampf, Dewar, Jarncrock, Holmberg & a 1st Rd pick in 2026 & 2027
Tavares Matthews Marner
A. Nylander Zegras W. Nylander
McMann McTavish Knies
Lorentz Domi Pacioretty
The cost for us to obtain Granlund is likely going to be out of our price range, given we'd need retention, and Sharks can't do it... so we'd need a third party to do it. In addition, it's improbable we'd be able to extend him, so he'd be a rental, something we should probably stop doing.
He's a good player, but he likely doesn't fit. We really just need a good 3C, not a 2C, to be put in a 3C spot... that goes for Kadri as well.
Here is a list of some C's that have been talked about so far... I think there are others too.
Brock Nelson, Acciari, Laughton, Ryan Strome, Granlund, Kunin, Gourde, Sissons, Dickinson, Pageualt, Dvorak, Evans.... At least, that's who I see might be available. I've mentioned McBain, but I doubt he's available.
It's fairly challenging finding someone who is affordable, puts up some points, and isn't defensively weak....