The thing that gets me most about this trade, is how blindsided I was. I wasn't expecting this, I let my guard down.
I was convinced earlier in the season, that Benning would trade Kassian. Then the trade deadline passed (Benning says he'd trade him for a player of a similar ilk, but wouldn't give him away), Benning says how happy he is with his progress (it would have to be clear to anyone that he became engaged and productive), did everything they said they wanted, and were going to work with him further, going forward. The handling of Kassian was applauded by some (who were of opposite opinions in posts to mine, and who we had discussions with)... a breakthrough. I think and say to myself (and perhaps a post or two in here), whatever this team needs to convince themselves that Kassian is untradeable. I also read some posts on here saying don't worry you all who doubted (and were reading too much into it), it was likely that Kassian was never seriously going to be traded, and it was all just to get him motivated... and the motivation worked.
For the 1st time all season, I think, they were probably right... it does look like they will be working with Kassian going forward, and perhaps all of this was just for motivation. Perhaps I was reading into this more than there actually was. I relax re: Kassian... he's safe.
And then, bam, a week or so later, traded. For nothing. He could probably have been traded to Boston at the deadline for their two 2nd's (instead of Connolly)... and they held out, for this. Two 2nd's wouldn't have been enough. This is just crazy.
Out of all the terrible moves Benning has made, this is the worst, IMO. This is a guy who can't see where he's going. It's like he's driving this bus in the fog. Some posters are looking for progress... holding out hope for progress? A year later, there is regression. He's gotten worse this year than last year... His decisions this year are a lot more terrible than his decisions last year. So far, the trend is down, not up.
I'd say fire Benning because of this move, on the spot. That would be my vote. But I won't and can't vote, for the sole reason (ignoring that I don't actually have a say, except if I decide not to renew my tickets all together), that I can't be convinced that he wouldn't just be replaced by Weisbrod. For as bad as Benning is, I think Weisbrod would be worse... and he's nicely lined up to take on more GM responsibilities, and Benning is nicely lined up to take on more amateur scouting responsibilities.
I don't think there will be a firing here, no matter what terrible moves Benning makes (perhaps a front office reshuffling)... and really, next to trading Sedins for practically nothing, or Horvat for practically nothing, or Edler for practically nothing... how much worse can he possibly get than what he has already done?
This trade should make it clear to practically anyone now, IMO, this is a ****ed up situation.