McMetal
Writer of Wrongs
- Sep 29, 2015
- 14,183
- 12,283
I think there are two ways to look at Landeskog and Duchene in terms of value.
Everyone argues Duchene is a free agent in 2 years... Well thats not true, if a contender, or near contender grabbed him thats another half season and playoff run. A lot of the offers we've seen are honestly barely even TDL deals. Duchene is a 25-30G scorer good for 60-70pts and the best face-off man in the league. Imagine if he actually had real line mates. A young 30 goal scorer, with term, on a good contract, on the right team gives them 3 good runs at the cup. I'd say he's worth TDL prices ++
Landeskog is very much in the same boat. Leader, good for 20-25G, great two way player. With an even better contract and longer term...
I do think the Avs are asking for the moon, but they can. They're two players that are worth the price being asked at this time.
I don't think past trades really ever set the market in terms of current value. The value of these two players is different now than it will be at any other point. There are a lot of teams vying for playoff spots. Yeah the prices are high, but some teams might be able to grab them without killing their line up and get the long term benefit. For example, the Canes may not push for a spot this year, but Landeskog or Duchene would be great there. The Habs are a team who could use either, and probably afford them in a trade.
So that said I don't think the Avs are asking to much. I just think they're looking at the market and going, well we don't have to trade these guys, but if you want them, and pay the price they can be had. Players like Duchene and Landeskog are RARELY available or get get traded with term left on good contracts. I think the prices are high, but I think it can be asked. Obviously I expect less in return than whats being asked, but good for Sakic. Start high, and come out with fair value.
Frankly, if we don't get exactly what Sakic is asking for them, we should keep both players. They're more valuable on this team than off it unless somebody overpays. Trading a young core player for anything less would be apocalyptically stupid.