Prongo
Beer
No, I didn't miss that. It still doesn't mean that they would take a 30 year old Simmonds on an expiring deal for Skinner. I mean, maybe I missed the part where he said he wants to get tougher and that can only occur in a trade involving Jeff Skinner. Last time I checked the Hurricanes could trade Skinner for anyone (picks even) and still get tougher by signing or making other moves. If they are taking offers on Skinner, I would be that Simmonds wouldn't be the best offer they get.
So let's pretend the contract situation was the same. Would you do it? Of course not.
You’re right, Skinner could be traded for anyone. Anyone in the NHL can be traded for anyone if your using that logic. Also, you’re arguing again not fully understanding the situation. The owner has made it very clear that losing isn’t an option right now. They have been losing for too long. That’s why they fired Francis. He felt he wasn’t doing enough to make the team competitive. So using common sense would mean they are looking to get better now, not using a draft pick on an 17-18 year old kid who will help in three/four years. Also now, before you argue he could get a better return than Simmonds, Mackenzie has already stated due to his no move/trade in his contract Skinner holds all the cards. His value is diminished. Mackenzie publicly stated that.
Also, your hypothetical about yandle and Ghost. Still not relevant. Every situation is different. Yandle doesn’t provide anything better than ghost. He’s older and less aware defensively. Skinner and Simmonds are two entirely different types of players, one being exactly what the owner stated his team was looking for.
Overall, I wouldn’t even trade Simmonds for Skinner. I believe Simmonds has more value on the open market because he can be dealt anywhere if our choosing. Also, Simmonds plays a game far more GMs in the NHL chase than Skinner does. Skinner more than likely will be traded for a very underwhelming package.
That’s why I would target him. He won’t cost too much to re-sign to a 4-5 year deal and he can provide solid depth and goal scoring to our top 9.