It's a bad trade but not as bad as most think.
Phaneuf asked for a trade. His value was at its low point. You have to think there is a bit of addition by subtraction here, both in terms of salary and also in the fact that he was malcontent and dragging the whole team down.
Yes its spare parts, but its two top-sixers, a depth guy and a No. 4 d-man who won't bring as good a skillset as Phaneuf, but not bad production. Plus with Sutters system and the personnel in place, defense was a strength so you can afford to downgrade at that position.
I wish Kaberle was included, I wish a guy like Kadri was included or a top draft pick but it shows where Dion's value was at right now. Sutter still wants to save this season and with this deal he's moved in that direction.
Kovalchuk is a very real possibility too now.
|