Don Sweeney is one of the worst GMs in the league. I have mixed feelings about him making a significant deal. The team desperately needs one, they are not a couple of players away from contending, but they have no real impact prospects (see 2015 draft for more info on this) waiting either so now may be their best chance at a cup for the foreseeable future.
Also working against trading now is Sweeney, a terrible evaluator of pro talent who most likely will get taken to the cleaners by whomever he deals with.
The needs have been the same since July, a number 3 center and 2nd line RW. Sweeney's defenders kept saying dont block the kids, let them play, they all failed so far. Then it was he will fill the needs during the season, he hasn't. Now we are less than three weeks from the deadline and more excuses are coming in, dont deal too many prospects. Can't deal first round picks. Players who make this team better today and going forward are available, supposedly,.
If Stone is there you deal for him and if he costs you 8x10 you do it. He most likely gets 7x11 on the open market. A good GM finds a way to keep great players who produce and play two way hockey, see Bergeron. They tried once to create a great two way line with Loui Eriksson, it failed, time to try again with a bigger, not underrated, "quiet" star like Loui.
1st, Gryz, Heinen, Senyshyn for Stone. You are overpaying but solving your right wing for the next 5 years.
JFK, Donato,Zobril 2020 2ndfor Blake Coleman and Miles Wood
63-37-stone
74-46-88
Wood-Coleman-Backes
52-14-55
