You’re right, Skinner could be traded for anyone. Anyone in the NHL can be traded for anyone if your using that logic.
That is very clearly not the point of the argument. You are suggesting that the Canes want to get tougher so trading Skinner for Simmonds makes sense. What I am saying is that they can get tougher in a number of ways, so the fact that Simmonds is a tougher player than Skinner doesn't have the impact that you seem to think it does.
Also, you’re arguing again not fully understanding the situation. The owner has made it very clear that losing isn’t an option right now. They have been losing for too long. That’s why they fired Francis. He felt he wasn’t doing enough to make the team competitive. So using common sense would mean they are looking to get better now, not using a draft pick on an 17-18 year old kid who will help in three/four years. Also now, before you argue he could get a better return than Simmonds, Mackenzie has already stated due to his no move/trade in his contract Skinner holds all the cards. His value is diminished. Mackenzie publicly stated that.
I understand the situation but maybe I am missing something else. The NTC issue always the bogeyman in the room and only in pretty rare situations does it have this negative impact. Absolutely might have that impact, no question. If he comes out and says I refuse to play for anyone but Philadelphia, then ok they'll take what they can get. But rarely does that happen with NTCs. We see them waived and we see value all the time despite the fear mongering on HFBoards.
Also, your hypothetical about yandle and Ghost. Still not relevant. Every situation is different. Yandle doesn’t provide anything better than ghost. He’s older and less aware defensively. Skinner and Simmonds are two entirely different types of players, one being exactly what the owner stated his team was looking for.
Well ok you don't like the analogy, we'll just use hypothetical players. Would you trade a younger Flyer for an older player both on expiring deals with similar production (for whatever reason...to get tougher, to "win now," to do anything)?
Overall, I wouldn’t even trade Simmonds for Skinner. I believe Simmonds has more value on the open market because he can be dealt anywhere if our choosing. Also, Simmonds plays a game far more GMs in the NHL chase than Skinner does. Skinner more than likely will be traded for a very underwhelming package.
That’s why I would target him. He won’t cost too much to re-sign to a 4-5 year deal and he can provide solid depth and goal scoring to our top 9.
Is that last sentence in reference to Simmonds or Skinner? I don't think either are going to be that cheap to re-sign but I agree they both will provide the depth. I think Simmonds should be traded regardless and preferably for futures. I love Simmonds and I think he will continue to have success no matter where he goes, but he's superfluous here. I imagine he's going to be looking at third line minutes this upcoming season, maybe fighting for second line minutes and who knows about the PP depending on how things shake out. For a guy who will be 31 when his contract expires and is likely going to be looking for a big payday, especially if he has another good year this year, I think his best value to the Flyers is as trade chip.
