SprDaVE
Moderator
- Sep 20, 2008
- 52,586
- 34,445
You would have a stronger case if Nylander was playing well, but the more he struggles the less "untouchable" he becomes in management's eyes and the more willing they may be to part with him..
If a significant top 4 Dman becomes available for trade (as they rarely do), and he was needed to be sacrificed it might just happen.. Same holds true for Marner as it could be an either/or situation where the organization keeps only 1 and the other is the necessary evil bait required to address their defense.
The case is still strong even if he's had a tough season. Management aren't that stupid either. In the first 2 months, he was playing very well. He had the best shot attempt ratio of the team and was obviously playing very well despite having no luck scoring. They are as untouchable as it gets and a rough couple weeks won't change that.
If a significant top 4 defenseman is available, we won't trade Marner or Nylander for them anytime soon.
The goal is to add to our current core, not to go sideways with it.