Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
They're trying to fill a need (defence) from a position of strength (young forwards with size). They're not looking for a 5-6 d-man, they're looking for a young 3-4. And they're realistic enough to know that they'll have to give up a quality asset to get one back.
I don't see a fit with the Flames. Russell isn't a long-term solution for the Jackets. Hickey is probably closest to what they're looking for, but they can't wait a season or two.
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If there is going to be a fit it will have to be an expanded deal to balance out the parts. Without going NHL 2015 on everyone, something along the lines of Wideman/Jankowski for Atkinson/Rychel. Columbus gets a top six d for now and a prospect to offset the loss of Rychel. We get a rh shot to play in our top 9 for two seasons after this one and get the upgrade on the prospect. Not sure if this would get it done but if a deal is going to get done it has to involve a few more parts.
Columbus is desperate and they stockpiled picks a few years back so that they could have assets to improve the team at a later date. They need to show the fans last year was not an abberation and they will continue to contend.