Habs Fan in Edmonton

I am getting in at the end of this discussion but I certainly agree that top players can make those around them better and Lehkonen certainly benefits from playing with talented players in Colorado. Sometimes a change of scenery can work wonders for a player and in this case it did. It always easy to judge trades with hindsight. At the time this seemed like a logical trade to make for a rebuilding club.

Trying to figure out this trade? Was this trade part of an agreement the Oilers had with the Blues in order not to match as it seems like a one sided trade?? https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/edmonton-oilers-acquire-paul-fischer-third-round-pick-from-st-louis-blues-future-considerations-1.2163926

Yes it hurt losing Broberg and Holloway BUT resigning Draisaitl, Bouchard and McDavid is their number #1 priority.

I think the Oilers are looking at 2 years down the road and realize they will need some cap space.

Disagree, 1st of all he needs to have the money available. Matching Holloway and Broberg makes that tough.

And that's a big part of the reason the Blues offered 2 year deals knowing the 2nd year would be tough. It hurts the Oilers to get such a minimal return for Broberg/Holloway but they left themselves in a vulnerable position and are paying the price. They can always get a rental defensemen at the deadline.

I don't think he would have taken that either. Arber could be worth a whole lot more than 2M a year in 2 years, or not. The potential is there, it's up to him to show that he is worth it. He hasn't proven yet that he is worth Guhle money.

You would let him go if it was your 60 million invested in the player? An easy no for me.

It certainly improves his chances. I hope he is working his ass off this summer to get ready.

I am also glad the Habs didn't have to use a lot of draft capital (ie picks) to get him. I have these thoughts and dreams about Florida having a tough year this year and that pick turning out to be way better than anybody expected. Hughes will have a lot of options at the 2025 draft.

100%, they have a lot of money invested in Slaf now, they need to protect their investment.

It's good to have confidence but somehow I don't think the Leafs will ever regret taking Matthews. I just hope he can stay healthy. If he can, he will likely score 30+.

Agreed, that was obviously Waddell's preference so he had to take little in return.

At no retention the market was very small. Pretty much given away. Sometimes it's good to have cap space.

Yes, I have complete trust in Hughes, he obviously gave this a lot of thought and his patience paid off here. I break this trade into 2 parts: 1) Patrick Laine for free (cap space) 2) Jordan Harris for a 2nd round pick. Frees up a spot now for the young D and 2nd round picks are good draft capital Hughes obviously thought this was the best use of cap space. There is risk but I like it.

It is a swing for the fences but sometimes you have to take that swing. You can't be conservative all the time.

With full retention the cost was never going to be great. How many other teams could take on the full amount? Hughes decided to use the cap space in this manner and next year just got a whole lot more interesting. Stay healthy Patrick and Kirby!!! We might have a 2nd line.

I don't think any GM is expecting Ceci to "find another level". It is possible however that some GM's think that Ceci is better than some of the armchair quarterback's on this board think he is.

I agree on this.

That's a big "IF" and as you have said and I agree goalies are voodoo. He hasn't proven anything at the NHL level yet.

Maybe Grier thinks Ceci can help the Sharks D for a year? Perhaps not all GM's think Ceci is as bad as many here think he is. The Sharks should be much improved, added some good veterans plus Will Smith and Celebrini should be fun to watch.

Agreed, the Oilers did well here.

Ceci to San Jose. Looks like the Oilers are matching

That's very true, it does make it more complicated for them.

Yes, I am assuming you would be willing to accept 2026 picks.