Seems kind of obvious at this point that one of Nikitin/Erixon/Goloubef might be on the move this season. My money would be on Nikitin simply because he hasn't been extended yet.
Still...I'm not sure I understand the fascination we seem to have with thinning our depth. We shouldn't be anxious to move someone simply because they're fighting their peers for ice time....we should be anxious to move someone when it's clear they're pushing veterans for ice time....
I can't speak for everyone on this board but for me the "fascination" is a result of two things.
1. Defensive Depth. With Erixon, Prout, Golo, Savard, Nikitn all competing for spots as nhl defensemen and guys like Heatherington and Reilly on the way our defense would not suffer (and IMO would improve) if Nikitin was traded and replaced by Erixon.
1. Lack of Offensive ability. While we have quality depth in our lineup we do not possess elite level offensive players/finishers. Atkinson, Johansen, Jenner and Dubinsky are all making strides however none have elite offensive games that help the team to score more easily. Adding Gaborik has helped, however we still lack someone who can score "easily" which is something something we are lacking.
These two combine to make a defensive trade an intelligent move IMO as we can create a package based on a surplus D-man (who are often over valued see: hal gill for a 1st round pick) for a player that adds a different dimension to our offense.
For example
Max Pacioretty, expiring contract
for
Nikitin, Gritty forward of your choice, and a 1st.
Something like this move dramatically changes our lineup if we could pull it off. Adding a first line forward makes us a
MUCH more dangerous team.
Pacioretty-Dubinsky-Gaborik
Atkinson-Johansen-Horton
Calvert-Anisimov-Umberger
Foligno-Mackenzie-Boll
Johnson-Tyutin
Murray-Wiz
Erixon-Savard
Prout
Bob
Mac