Lets not also overlook that Dallas are also missing Demers out of their top 4. Once him and Klinberg return, I'd be surprised to see Russell remain as their top pairing, top ice time d man. I reckon he'd slot in on their 2nd pairing, which is where he was for us. Russell for me is doing no more than what he did last season, stepping up in a pinch. He did it with Wideman when Gio went down and Brodie got saddled with Engellend. Those 2 were lights out until the end of the season.
No matter what he does in Dallas, it doesn't change the fact that we were right to trade him, right not to give him his $5m a year deal(that we couldn't afford) and got the best return possible for him. Kevin has stepped up nicely so far, looks a more than capable replacement who could have the upside to find a place on our 2nd pairing.
Pollock seems to be getting on nicely in the WHL, top point scorer for an Oil Kings team that has the 4th worst goals for record in the whole league. Probably not unfair to say that on a better team with better line mates, he'd have way more points than he does now.
2 serviceable roster players, 3 if the 1st/2nd rounder pans out. An excellent return for a player we had no chance of keeping.
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