Petan could be a steal, maybe a change of scenery is what was needed. Also...it seems like Gauthier thrives with Moore and Ennis - more jam to his game.
I am glad they didn't try to go all in and give up a ton of assets essentially leaving the draft board and/or prospect pool bare, especially for a couple months of a rental(s). They were even talking about it on the TV last night - with the media so focused on the Leafs needing toughness to beat Boston, but you can't as a GM augment your team to beat one team (Boston). Build your team the best way to make them as competitive as you can. I know someone who has pretty much already given up on them doing anything in the playoffs this year because they didn't add grit (be it up front or giving up what Columbus did for McQuaid). Where does McQuaid fit on this team without moving out a D, or sitting one?
Have to be patient - this team's core is still super young and growing. Next year will be interesting with the Marleau contract and probably losing Gardiner, and it would be nice to find a taker for Zaitsev. They only have Muzzin for next year, and need to fill Hainsey's spot as well.
I just hate forcing a deal just for the sake of making a deal.
Even last year...... so they lost Bozak, Komarov, JVR for nothing. Could they have moved them for assets at the deadline....sure they could have, but a team trying (unsuccessfully it turned out) to make a run in the playoffs doesn't sell assets like these for picks/prospects. Why trade a guy like JVR (30 goals) who can score off a team who just set a team record for wins and had a real shot at advancing for futures.....is this not basically telling the team that management has no faith in them?