Only for very stupid and short-sighted general managers. The hype that has been built up each of the last few years is just ridiculous. Yes, McDavid and Eichel are special players, but after that it is still a crapshoot. Remember when Nail Yakupov was the next Alex Ovechkin? Hype, hype, hype, with little substance. It never ceases to amaze me how people get over-excited coming into the draft and are willing to give away assets for a handful of magic beans.
There are more teams unable to, whether it be because of the league cap or their internal cap. Then you have to consider who would be willing to give up added assets to make the move. Not many are willing to eat over $27M and give up other assets to get that deal done.
Buffalo is a really poorly run franchise, but there is no way they are going eat that much money and dip into their prospect pool of defensemen to acquire another first round pick. They have been patient to watch those young defensemen develop and turn into NHL caliber players. When those guys are finally ready to step in and contribute, you don't trade them away for a player that may or may not play for another two or three years. Even as badly managed as the Sabres are, they wouldn't make that move.
Yeah, Yakupov is getting you nothing in the first round. You want to talk about a player that epitomizes the hype surrounding the draft and the patience you have to show with these kids, Nail Yakupov is that guy. There was so much hype around this kid - a player with incredible flaws in his game - that the Oilers had to take him. Now they are stuck with a kid that shows very few signs of ever achieving the levels expected, but are too scared to move him and have that promised achieved elsewhere. Seriously, would you give up the 15th pick for Yakupov? Would you even give up one of our 2nds? I sure wouldn't. That kid is damaged goods.
Well, in your mind there are teams that would do it. I think that since we have not seen any teams willing to consummate a deal like this, even for as little as $6M in contract dollars, that it is unlikely we ever see a deal like the one suggested. Until one happens I will confidently say that one where a top pick is moved with two big ticket players is a wet dream. And then consider one where a team that eats two big salaries also gives up multiple assets to get it done, well that doesn't seem even in the realm of possibilities. But then again I full expect this to be posted next.
