Does Eichler and picks for Nordh make any sense? He'd cost a fair bit, but likely cheaper than a non-import like Pinelli and just as good.
The Alriksson deal (2,3,3) probably marks the low end of his trade value, as Nordh is a better player. If there's no other competition then maybe 2,2,3. If there's another bidder, then maybe a 4th pick is needed. That's my best guess anyways.
I'd be pretty shocked if Petrovski commanded a player and picks to acquire. I would think a pick package with maybe a conditional pick or two on him returning for an OA season would get it done. Owen Sound has depth to allow the movement of both Konnor Smith and Petrovski so that shouldn't require a player to come back in either deal. Unless the acquiring team wants to insert a player to reduce the draft picks in the deal I don't see that being necessary.
I remember that a Blake Smith deal fell through at the last minute last year, so they're probably open to moving him. I don't think the price would be too crazy, but the Spits have some pretty good OA's.
A good gm will make moves to improve the team. Not being worried if the kid is a fan favourite or not.
Part of me still believes this year is a better shot than next year. Especially if you're interested in being competitive annually. Of course the idea of being competitive annually means Bowler needs to start poaching guys like Kitchener/London. Bowler probably won't be on the level of those teams but at least to be a threat. Lack of 07s kind of hampers the idea of anything after 25-26. Having picks this year most likely won't impact anything you do next year unless you trade that 09 1st rounder. We saw how that panned out in January of 2023 moving Miedema for 20 games of Wright. Moving Abraham to bring in Smith is more likely a lateral move especially if it costs you more picks. Gibson would cost a lot and I am not in favor of moving Nesbitt but the idea of making a run next year at the cost of an 09 1st doesn't make sense either.
The reason I disagree, is for similar reasoning. I feel moving them before next season is premature. Now I’m not saying let’s ride out every player we draft. However, I personally expect Greentree and Spellacy to both be AHL ready by their OA year. We could have a likely OA 06’ group of Woodall, Christoforo and Davis all with two extra years of experience. I don’t see any of them regressing. Now let’s say Greentree or Spellacy come back for an OA year, for whatever reason. Then we have some really nice trade bait, with a much higher trade value then they’d have this offseason IMO.
My 06 issues are simple. We have to replace Mathurin next year. Walton is big but hardly a big scare for other teams at this point. That leaves Woodall, Cristoforo, Manzo. No tough physical presence. How do we keep all our current D and yet improve? We all know are our limitations. 2 years from now Cristoforo, Manzo Woodall are not suddenly going to become or be able to be physical enough for playoff hockey. Name 1 top 6 Knight D that they would trade to Windsor to improve their D? Zero. Hicks excluded. London has no OA D, no import D. 2- 07, 4-06, 2-05. Their entire D could return next year along with Medvedev who is only a 07!! Allen and Bonk could move on to AHL, not NHL ready yet but easily could return as OA'S. If that does not scare anyone it scares me.
Re London D,I would be stunned if all 3 returned to the O next season talking about 1st rounders Bonk (19),Dickinson (18) and Allen (19) 5th rounder considering they all signed NHL contracts,in fact would not surprise if all 3 go pro with Bonk and Dickinson in the NHL and Allen in the AHL at worst.
They're fine. Both are 06s and can still slide with signed ELCs. It's OAs that don't slide if they have an ELC contract.
