and your opinion is we can get him for the pkg you offered and i'm not presenting it as fact i'm merely saying the same reason both of us want to keep him is the same reason the flames would want him
if i'm Burke and the Leafs came calling on Monahan the asking price is Rielly plus and the plus is because i have no reason to trade him and because you're the one initiating the trade discussions
you're the type of fan that wants these type of players but doesn't want to finish low enough to draft them and think you can deal an expendable pkg to trade for them
everyone's tradeable but teams arn't rushing to move talented character gritty hard working kids just to help us out
Your assumption is that Monahan, a likely career 2C, means more to CGY than a veteran leader with a discounted contract, a likely all star calibre offensive D man still years away from his best days, and a very good 2 way centerman with size who can play up and down your lineup at wing and centre. I disagree.
You contend the Leafs have comparable forward depth. I named numerous former fist rounders and high end prospects. You reply with Nylander. Thats a short list, and a weak position to argue from.
You also assume that the discussion begins with Nonis blurting out something like "I really want Monahan, how much would he cost"? thats like the opposite of effective negotiation. You start by having CGY discuss their plans for their cap space, as well as how they view their organisational needs. You then show your hand and who you are making available and how those pieces stack up against their needs. The last thing you talk about is who you are interested in acquiring. Moahan is but one of several options.
The kind of fan I am is one who believes you ALWAYS draft BPA and then deal from a position of strength in order to create the organisational balance you need. Burke also embraces this strategy, as do most NHL executives. And yes, you are correct; I am the type of fan who believes intentionally sucking for a shot at a prospect robs your entire brand of its integrity. Guilty.
The final fallacy you present, being that any other team would "help us out" is actually laughable. It has nothing to do with anything of the sort, nor have I ever presented this argument. Its about meeting your suitor's needs as well as your own. Thats how good trades are made.
We could do this all day and it won't amount to anything. These are my final thoughts on the matter, and Monahan isn't the only option. CGY has tons of depth, far more than Toronto contrary to your belief. Lupul is a very good player with a strong leadership component to his game. He's had horrible luck in Toronto with injuries. Lupul with a 2 million dollar discount, along with a potential blue chip D man with all star potential, and a gritty, talented utility forward is interesting to any team with a glut of talented forward prospects, cap to burn, no offensive D in the pipeline and a long term injury to who is their longest serving centreman.
Give yourself the last word, but please, make it relevant. So far, your argument is based on logical fallacy, rhetoric, and personal opinion presented as fact. Dig a little deeper...