The Panthers need a 2C and top4 D, so your trade proposal is;
A great, but expensive winger.
A downgrade at the backup position.
A replacement for Luo that is great at faceoff, but a clear downgrade overall.
A surprisingly healthy, and day to day with an injury, winger.
A dman that can't even crack the lineup of the worst defense in the league.
Mantha is a really nice piece, but wingers are not a need for the Panthers. I get how this trade helps Detroit, but it doesn't do much for the Panthers.
Imo, if Detroit trade for Driedger it's in a smallish trade to flip him to Tampa for a repeat, not a Mantha blockbuster trade.
1. I wouldn't call Bernier a downgrade at all. He's been lights out for 1 yr., going back to ~midway of last season. Keep in mind the teams they both play for, perspective.
2. LGD is at minimum, = or better than Luo. LGD 9pts/36gp & tasked with shutdown duties. Meanwhile Luo gets 2nd/3rd line matchups, but has skilled PMD & F's to play with....also only 8pts/35gp for a Much Better Team. FO league leader, hits, has snarl, character, work ethic, PK, shotblock etc. The dude will block a shot with his face, he's All In 110% of the time. Decent backhand too.
Can & does score "dirty/playoff type crease crash goals", the kind that win series.
3. Ryan...see prior post
4. Cholo...will be fulltime in 21-22, only 23yo
5. We wouldn't trade for Driedger to flip him to TB. We'd just deal them JB.