I put his trade deadline return at a mid 2nd round pick. Bigger guys with some touch and a “reputation” for toughness get a premium return at TDL leading into the playoffs. His actual on ice value this year is more like a 3rd rounder return level.
For where the Bruins are today and the cap nightmare they are facing with the aging vets, they are better off keeping him for the stretch run and hoping he snaps back vs taking the potential 2nd rounder.
My one hope is that they don’t keep him and then overpay him in AAV and term on a new deal this summer.
I think we'd be lucky to get a 2nd rounder at this point, honestly.
You've got a guy who is about to be a UFA that will have the opportunity to take as much as he can get from any of the 32 teams this summer. His production this season has been hugely underwhelming. What Cup-bound team is willing to give up a legitimate asset for a guy who has been a no-show in recent history and who they will likely struggle to sign this coming offseason?
It's not like Fred is a 35 year old vet with a proven track record that is struggling with points on a mediocre team this season. He's an "energy guy" that isn't providing energy or points. He's likely a depth guy for a team making a run. Again, what kind of assets are you getting in return for that role? Something, but not enough to where you won't have half this board complaining and calling Sweeney an idiot for not getting a better return.
Piggy backing off of your last sentence (the ultimate concern), unless they sign him to a new, absolute steal of a contract (I'm talking what he's making now or under in terms of AAV...which won't happen), they need to fetch an asset for him. Not interested in paying top dollar for him (whatever that is) this summer on the UFA market.
