PostBradMalone
Registered User
- Mar 19, 2022
- 2,883
- 6,253
I think Barzal is their future really so I doubt they move him.
I could see them trading Pageau (center) and moving Kadri or Nelson to win instead.
It depends if Lou thinks he can win with Barzal as his 1C I guess. He's never been afraid to shake things up if he felt there was a mismatch in terms of fit and play style, and given Barzal is headed for a healthy raise himself next summer, I can at least see that discussion happening internally.
Trading Pageau would be best, I agree, but that's probably a hard contract to move in this environment. No contender has room at this point for a $5M 3C, and rebuilding teams won't have any use for a shutdown middle-six center (especially if it compromises their draft position this year). In contrast, a Barzal trade easily nets significant assets, and younger clubs like DET and ANH will have no problem ponying up for him given he fits their timelines.