The reason people get their hopes up over Eller is becaseu for the most part he's been used terribly in relation to offensive opportunities. Whenever he's had good wingers he's really thrived and put up good numbers but it never lasts for long (the good wingers).
For me personally, I'm fine with him being a good shut down 3rd line centre that can step it up in the playoffs offensively. Winning teams need this type of player, and most of them have it. As for trading him, the initial sting would be felt I believe, but I also believe DLR will be better defensively and has a much higher hockey IQ so he could replace him. I think he could do that right now, it's just up to management whether they think so, or how they would go about it.
It's a good situation to be in relaly if you think about it. They have good depth for all roles at the centre ice position.