Agree. I wouldn't pay a 2nd for de Haan either but the TDL brings out a different set of logic amongst teams and GMs who want to beef up their rosters with experience.
- Theo Fox

Every year is a different market at the deadline. It can't be looked at in a vacuum. It doesn't take much for valuations to go sky high or to rock bottom. Just a little too much demand or a little too much supply for a given position, and we'll be talking about the big overpays or the big steals at the deadline. One year it could be Oduya for a couple of thirds, and another year it's Wiese and Fleischmann for Danault and a 2nd. Last year was Janmark for a 2nd and a 3rd. And the Hawks got a 3rd for Gus, also.

But remember, whoever gets de Haan at the deadline becomes the Cup favorite, in continuing the recent tradition of traded defensemen.

If I had to wager today, I'd say Fleury is either headed back to the Penguins or to the Oilers.

I know Oilers GM Holland said he's not willing to give up a 1st rounder or trade for a rental but he wouldn't be the first or last GM to blow smoke.

Last season I believe former Canadiens GM Bergevin said he was going to stand pat and not make any TDL deals but ended up being one of the first (if not the first) team to make a trade then the Habs got to the Cup Finals.

There was a rumor a few days ago that the Avalanche are searching for another D-man due to Byram's health issue (concussion fallout).
- Theo Fox

Here is how I have the Oil figured. They need a goalie, middle 6/depth scoring and a vet Dman. Realistically how many of those holes can be filled? How many assets do they have and are willing to part with?

I thought they can't fill all those needs and which can they fill in house? They can't fill the D or middle 6 scoring in house so they have to role the dice that Smith can stay healthy long enough to be their#1 in the playoffs. He still has the game IF he's healthy.

IMO just trading for Fluery is a waste of resources cuz just him won't get them to rd 2 if they made the playoffs at all.

But that may change. If they sign E Kane who is free now they only have 2 holes to fill and that's D and goalie. I think they can fill one but two holes will be tougher but signing Kane makes trading for a goalie a much much better possibility.

IMO trading for Fluery hinges on EDM signing Kane. They may still decide to fill the D hole if they sign Kane and roll the dice with Smith, filling 2 of their 3 holes, but without signing Kane I don't see them "wasting" resources to sign Fluery.

As a Hawks fan I'm hoping the Oil signs Kane.

Here is how I have the Oil figured. They need a goalie, middle 6/depth scoring and a vet Dman. Realistically how many of those holes can be filled? How many assets do they have and are willing to part with?

I thought they can't fill all those needs and which can they fill in house? They can't fill the D or middle 6 scoring in house so they have to role the dice that Smith can stay healthy long enough to be their#1 in the playoffs. He still has the game IF he's healthy.

IMO just trading for Fluery is a waste of resources cuz just him won't get them to rd 2 if they made the playoffs at all.

But that may change. If they sign E Kane who is free now they only have 2 holes to fill and that's D and goalie. I think they can fill one but two holes will be tougher but signing Kane makes trading for a goalie a much much better possibility.

IMO trading for Fluery hinges on EDM signing Kane. They may still decide to fill the D hole if they sign Kane and roll the dice with Smith, filling 2 of their 3 holes, but without signing Kane I don't see them "wasting" resources to sign Fluery.

As a Hawks fan I'm hoping the Oil signs Kane.
- Mr Ricochet

One other team that might be a fit for fleury is Washington imo I don't think they sold on their goaltending going into the playoffs and team in general is not getting any younger maybe a fit maybe not. What trade would look like is anybodys guess?

Bettman Cup Standings (lowest using standing points per game played)
1- 0.5278 - Canadiens
2- 0.5556 - Yotes
3- 0.6486 - Kraken
4- 0.7568 - Sabres
5- 0.7742 - Sens
6- 0.8919 - Devils
7- 0.8919 - Flyers
8- 0.9210 - Hawks
9- 0.9333 - Islanders
10-0.9722 - Jackets
11-0.9737 - Canucks

New blog! Thoughts on 2019 1st rounder Kirby Dach and 2020 1st rounder Lukas Reichel by comparing their development paths from the draft to the NHL.

Matinee games today: Blackhawks vs Kraken and IceHogs vs Wolves.

https://bit.ly/3tE2Pwl