Quote:
Originally Posted by Ba'alzamon
This is why I think an Andersson trade before (or at) the draft is unlikely. Why would anyone pay assets to get Andersson when they could wait four days and possibly sign Ekblad?
Andersson trade isn't happening until Ekblad signs, IMO.
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It is also better for the Flames to wait for Ekblad to be off the board as it will leave Andersson as the best/only top pair RD available this off season and next. At that point Conroy will be able to demand more for Andersson.
Having said that, the list of teams that need Ekblad/Andersson are longer than the list of players available.
Sportsnet's list: Sabres, 'Canes, Leafs, Stars, Canadiens
Daily Faceoff's list: 'Canes, Blue Jackets, Stars, Red Wings, Senators, Flyers
Flames Nation: Kings, Senators, Blues, Capitals, Jets
None of those lists include the Sharks but I think Grier is going to be aggressive in upgrading his top D pair this offseason as everything else is in place.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gvitaly
I heard those rumours as well, and I wouldn't be surprised if they wanted Andersson, I just doubt they would want to trade the #2 pick for him and #18, or other assets. #30 from Dallas this year, or the EDM 1st next year, would probably be the centrepiece in such a trade.
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#18 would be a good pick for the Sharks. If their priority right now is RD then #18 is close to where Hensler is expected to go and he is the second best RD in the draft. It would probably work better if the Flames could turn 18+32 into 10 or 11 so that the Sharks could go after Mrtka (top RD in the draft).
If the Sharks offered a late 1st as a centerpiece to the Flames then I would expect that would end the conversation as 4 other teams would be able to beat that offer in order to get Andersson.
At that point you have to wonder how badly the Sharks want to get out of the basement. If they cannot upgrade their D group then they are likely going to blow another season of Celebrini and Askarov will get absolutely shelled in his rookie season. I don't believe Grier is interested in a 4th basement season and will be making moves this summer to fix his D situation with the hopes that it pushes the Sharks back into the playoff conversation. (He definitely isn't shy about making moves)
If you put yourself in Grier's shoes, there are not a lot of other options for fixing his D situation. Ekblad, Flames, Pens?? ... not sure who else is selling a top pair D.