[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

Of course he is, and of course you take the swing.

But, realistically, you aren't likely to connect on that swing without gutting the roster or putting the team in trouble otherwise. That's why people are questioning it. If we're talking fantasy, sure. If we're talking reality, going after Eichel is probably pointless.

You lose one of Monahan, Lindholm, Gaudreau, or Tkachuk. 100%
Then you're probably going to add an Andersson, Hanifin, Mangiapane, Dube, something like that depending on how good the first big piece is.
Then you're adding Zary, Pelletier, Valimaki, etc.
Then you're adding a 1st, at least.

That's probably the bones of a deal. Salaries would have to balance out, etc, but rare, top 5 players are not acquired without rare, top 5 offers.

Make that trade, is the team better? Maybe not. Great piece to build around, but we're worse tomorrow than we are today if we make it. It'd likely be a one step back for two steps forward scenario, and that's if it works out.

I don't see a realistic trade scenario where we don't give up more than we're getting back in the short term.

I make that trade all day. Any player he replaces - he’s better than that guy and he makes whoever is on that line better. It’s probably Lindholm or Monahan because of position, so now you have Eichel lining with Gaudreau or Tkachuk (and you still have Lindholm or Monahan with the other one). The team can probably afford to lose a good young D (more than Mangiapane or Dube) and I’m not too scared of giving up a mid level prospect like Zary or Pelletier.