First off, just let me start by saying I love the effort. Let me summarize this post:
We need a top 6 forward and a 3C, but we’re not willing to give up anybody who will help you now. We’ll give you prospects, but the aren’t very good prospects. Oh, and we won’t give you our first either.
Ok, all jokes aside: I would do,
Zucker + Ek + Donato for RNH + 1st (top 10 protected) + 2nd
Zucker has 4 years left at under 6 million, which is more than reasonable for a 30 goal scorer who is on pace for roughly 30/30 this year.
Ek is a cheap, shutdown center. Doesn’t have 2C upside imo, but could have 40 point, shutdown 3C upside. He’s on pace for over 30 as a shutdown C this year.
I think donato may be excessive to add to this trade, but we need to get rid of wingers, and I’m not super high on him. He’s been heating up lately, and has legit 25 goal potential in the league, I just don’t think he’ll get that opportunity here, as when we’re healthy he’s stuck in the 4th line.
I would really only do this if I knew I could extend RNH for under 7 million. But that’s my offer