Could be that but I think with Poile retiring and Trotz coming in they were looking at a retool and figure to be not very competitive for a few years or so. They floated his name out back in November I think and probably got a bunch of interest, like Brad said “couldn’t believe he was available” and with them looking tough to make the playoffs by the deadline probably figured they might as well get value for him now and help the tank a hit with his absence (I bet they’re surprised they’ve won as much with Barrie in for him)
I hope that you're right. They have watched him for a long time so you would think they would know best.
But at same time, if you look at the Jones and Weber trades. Not sure either was great for them.
Weber for Subban. I think when this trade was made, people thought that Nashville was genius. That Weber was on the downs and that Subban was on the rise. But not really sure was the case. I think Weber was better than Subban after the trade. Both both guys ultimately didnt have a long career. (I think Weber was on a long deal though - where as Ekholm is 3 years after this. Weber was still fairly for 5 years after leaving Nashville. He had more injuries than Ekholm did. I think they were around same age when traded?
Jones for Johansen. Jones had some decent to good years in Columbus (first 3 full seasons were good). I think Columbus moving him to Chicaco was more the right time to move him rather than when Poile moved him. Johansen such a dud though, no idea why they traded for him.
So yeah, maybe I am giving Nashville too much credit. I think they are a good draft/development team but not sure in regards to trading. Ekholm will probably be good for his contract.