There are times, like after a dispicable game, that I am like, "just trade them, even if it's only for a bag of pucks, trade them." But of course that would be irresponsible as a GM or management. It is their job to get the most for our assets & if they can't get the right value, then balancing the positives with the negatives with when to pull the trigger.
I am sure Shanahan would like the core moved. The problem is, other team's GMs have no interest in giving us the best value for our players. I am sure management have decided what our minimum requirements are to trade each player. At the same time, Babcock may feel he could "change" some of our core. So as management, you must also weigh the benefits of allowing Babcock to try to change them.
As an example, if Kessel sees the light & becomes a Babcock disciple (not sying he will). Works out all summer, commits to his defensive duties, plays 200' of ice & actually became a positive influence plus a 35-40 goal producer his value would sky rocket from today. The argument from other teams & it is legit is "what if" Kessel is done & is never going to produce more than 25 goals again & stays a defensive liability. Then his trade value would be next to squat & he would be virtually immovable to or by any future team. Personally, I think if he were to go to Pittsburgh he may be a 40+ goal scorer. But it is Pittsburgh that makes the gamble, dud or stud?
We just have to wait until Pittsburgh or another team become desperate enough to accept the gamble or until Kessel proves he still has it & it's not a gamble (during the season). That's the patience game we have to play, accept the bag of pucks or wait until the above happens. One thing with Pittsburgh, they are slowly running out of time as a Stanley Cup challenger & Rutherford is running out of time quicker. They may be ready to gamble.
