I think the main reason I am disappointed is the cost for every other FA was amazingly cheap this deadline.
I mean Vanek was acquired for what? A 2nd round pick (Conditional) and a player who was a 2nd round pick in 2012. Presumably of lower value than Jarnkrok (a former 2nd round pick in 2010 - thus likely closer to an NHL player than collberg). Matt Moulson was acquired for 2 2nd round picks.
If we make the playoffs. Our deal: 2nd round pick; Jarnkrok (+ A waived player (meaningless))
Is a better offer than those other two deals.
Now Legwand is a centre, while the others are wingers. Holland also thinks he got better value because Legwand is from the area, and thus resigning him is doable.
I suppose under that train of thinking, Legwand is more valuable than the other 2, and thus commanded slightly more in cost.
Here is my problem with the trade:
Lets be honest, if we make the playoffs or don't make the playoffs this year…. Does anyone really care? I mean yes we get in… but with our injury situation… this entire year is a write off. If Holland is picking up a Center to replace all our injured centres… The player is only valuable while we are injured. What happens when we are Healthy? What is our ideal line up? Are we trying to compete NOW? or are we rebuilding? I think Holland is trying to do both a little. Trying to improve the team, while keeping MOST of the youth. Agree with that or not. We are not really in Buffalo/Edmonton positions, and I am not sure If I would want to be. Jarnkrok had been progressing slowly. His recent 19pts in 16 games is probably the only reason Nashville even thought he still had promise. Its really hard to say how bad this deal will be, because it completely hinges on Jarnkrok reaching or missing his potential. Generally I feel Legwand could be had for less. And even if Nashville said "screw you, we will keep him then". Then we sign him next year, the same way we would have now?
Theoretical Healthy Lineup Next year:
Remove: Bert, Cleary, Sammy, Eaves:
Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Alfie (I do not think he will retire just yet)
Franzen-Weiss-Nyquist (assuming Weiss impresses rest of the year)
Tatar-Legwand-Abdelkader
Helm-Sheahan-Jurco
Andersson?, Miller, Glendenning?
Is that enough youth? How long would it take for Jarnkrok to make our roster… Even if we lose Legwand? Either way, I think trading Jarnkrok for an Established D man would have been a better move. I wouldn't call this a ludicrous trade, but I think we lost it.