BigG44
Registered User
- Jul 12, 2007
- 24,127
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It was reported by Garrioch that Spezza was working with Bryan Murray on the trade. (Garrioch has literally broken every piece of news regarding Spezza so far)
I don't think a deal gets done without one of Dillon/Eakin/Ritchie. The other pieces can be adjusted, but Murray said that the draft pick and prospect are more important than the top 6 forward/top 4 D.
I wasn't questioning the source ... you didn't give one. I'm cool if Garrioch said that honestly because he's been solid even about some Dallas stuff in the past. Knowing that it was him is a bonus ... although a link would still be nice. I searched his articles quickly and still have not noticed anything referring to what you're claiming. I'm being a stickler about it because without that information the discussion is a waste of everyone's time. Not knowing for certain obviously, I think most would agree a team in Dallas' position isn't going to move any of the assets discussed for a rental.
Should be a pretty easy to identify trading Dillon makes little to no sense for a center. Dallas doesn't have D to spare. Just from a betting standpoint, I wouldn't put any money down that Nill is the type a guy to deal a weakness for a strength. Dallas' forward aren't great but their miles better than the D, and the closest two players in the AHL to making the jump to the NHL are forwards (most consider Nemeth in the NHL as a forgone conclusion).
I can't see Nill trading an NHLer and a prospect that is NHL ready together for anything less than a top pair D. Dallas' beat reporter also just said Ritchie is untouchable in the team's eye.
Eakin's got some potential honestly to be a piece. He's not a guy Nill acquired, and they've said he's more of a 3rd line center. There's still the issue that the trade just fills one hole and creates another one. My guess is Nill wouldn't trade him, but my certainty about that being true is significantly less than Dillon or Ritchie. You can pretty easily fill Eakin's hole via free agency for a few years until Faksa got a shot at that spot ... or Dickinson/Shore. I personally don't believe Spezza is worth it, and my guess would be the goal is to find a compliment to both Seguin and Eakin ... not subtract Eakin and be left with Seguin and journeyman center.
The key issue though is Dallas isn't backed into a corner to make this work. I'd like to see him in Dallas, and Murray's stated asking price could be reasonable. Anything beyond Chiasson, a 1st, and a prospect doesn't make much sense to continue to pursue Spezza. I wouldn't rule out Eakin being available for an elite center, but I'd be surprised for sure. Seems like Dallas' best interest would be to explore the other center options if Murray is hoping for too much.