A D roster player has to go and it may not have to be Hammer if the team values him that much. You do realize Isles can't protect that many D and WILL LOSE someone to Vegas for nothing. They have to make a decision somehow between Hammer, CDH and Hickey because they are going to keep Leddy and JB and they may even choose to keep only 3 D if they want to protect 5 F. The expansion draft has that kind of impact. In any other year you would not trade a roster D but this year is different. If you can somehow use that D and get a really good 2nd line center back why not do it? Carter was a 2nd line center who was one of the key reasons that won 2 SC for the Kings. Now you may also have to consider which Isles forward is going to protect as well - if 4 then you are going to likely lose one of Lee/Nelson/Strome as well because they will have to protect JT and AL and likely Bailey the way he has played this year. The question is not whether they should make a deal but with which team and if Avs have the best players available. The problem is that a lot of teams are still hunting for a playoff spot and likely will not trade their top 6 and top 2 D but only prospect/picks and maybe a walking UFA and the pick/prospect likely will not help Isles in any way soon.
Also have you ever watched MD in the Olympics and this past World Cup? He did not get outshone by JT in those tournaments. He played just as well. He is not playing well this year likely due to AVs team's direction toward a rebuild. He is a total different player when he has a chance to win. The talent has not declined but maybe his motivation has playing for a losing team. Do not forget that he also beat JT out for the Calder award. Also like to remind that Isles have easier travel schedules (as most Eastern teams do) and not playing in a mile high city which can take a toll on the athletes over the season.
If honestly I think Isles can beat Pens, Caps or Habs in a 7 game playoff series, I will keep all important roster players and do not make a move. However their chance of making the playoff is not all that high and I can't think that with the current roster they can measure up to a power house like Pens this year. No do not expect them to win the Cup this year as they still have too many areas need improvement - a consistent PP production, face-off win %. goal production and good clean fast transitions. Also they are now an average speed team without enough top 6 who can put pucks in the net. Even you have the best coach behind the net, it will be realistically tough to go past 2 rounds even if they make the playoff.
The trade is for next season, opportunity to improve the team and asset management. However I will not give up on Barzal and Bellows too soon and maybe even some of their D depth. Avs need desperately to improve their D so very highly unlikely they will trade any of their young D with top potentials. It does not serve their purpose to make such deal. If they prefer LD to RD then it got to be either CDH or Hickey who has adequate NHL experience. It is more likely that Avs will not be happy with what Isles is offering and it is true that they are not desperate to make a deal any time soon and there is no need for them to sell their 2nd best forward short. i am not an Avs fan but I can see their point.
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