McNally's situation isn't some sort of secret. Mentioning it as a reason is not going to make him 'untradeable'.
Benning could not have been clearer here, and you're trying to argue the exact opposite of what he said.
This was, plain as day, our decision based on our evaluation of his abilities. Which may or may not be correct.
If we'd used contract slots on quality prospect FA signings and then recouped a pick by not signing McNally, I'd be ok with that.
Problem is that we've wasted contract spots on junk like Stewart/Labate/Cederholm/Sautner in the last year.
You're making it sound like McNally's "ability" to play hockey, and his "inclinination" to play hockey aren't closely linked.
If McNally isn't going to be playing Professional hockey this coming season, he's done as a prospect. That's pretty much it, end story. Who is the last guy you can think of to play their very first Pro hockey game @ 25 years of age and go on to an NHL career?
A couple months ago, you were right there heading the charge to explain why a kid who has played so astonishingly few "high level" games at this stage in his development is a marginal at best prospect. And rightly so.
Now that Benning cut him loose AND got a 7th round pick (throwaway) for him...it's some sort of mismanagement based on evaluation of his "abilities"?
I suppose if we consider his "Ability to play Pro hockey this year" a primary trait of evaluation, then yeah...not looking good.
Let's call a spade a spade here...this isn't about McNally's talent...it's flat out, about the lack of desire he's shown to pursue a professional hockey career.