Brown will not be traded in 2023 trade deadline because we will be competing then. Even if we can't agree to an extension, we would look foolish to trade a great piece while in playoff hunt; and then we will risk losing him for nothing the following offseason.
The rationale for trading Brown this trade deadline is because 2022 draft is deep. It also allows us to allocate some of Brown's money in free agency for a more bonafide RW threat to play on top line with Stutzle. I would use the 3.6 to sign Paul to an extended deal and he Formenton and Pinto can make a great 3rd line.
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Love Brown, but he can be replaced in the bottom 6. Theres a lot of pieces seemingly available this UFA, and with competent GMing we can nab two realllly solid top 6 pieces. Connor Brown at 3.6 vs Reilly Smith at 6 mil + 1st rounder and more.
If we have competent GMing, we will extend Connor Brown soon, or trade him by this trade deadline. He is likely to remain as he is producing now, he gains nothing from not signing an extension now unless Sens are the hesitant party.
I am very confident we can get similar to what we got for Pageau for Brown. 1+2+3. In a deep draft, we can use a piece or two of those down the line when we run into cap troubles.
I am ALL for keeping talent, especially one with Brown's work ethic and ability, but if we are bottom 5 come this trade deadline, we got bigger worries and need to make serious changes in off-season. We have very bottom 6ers, we need now top 6ers. The fact that there is a deep draft this year gives us a good opportunity to get a hell of a deal for Brown. I would trade Connor Brown for Ridley Greig straight up let alone add a 2nd and a 3rd.