Quote:
Originally Posted by dissentowner
Very true. I just used that player as an example of how the Flames should add to get a player like they instead of getting back assets that more then likely don't push the team forward.
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Yup. I think it is a fun exercise. I honestly think the Stars are a bad trade partner for the Flames but the Flames have many pieces that the Stars need if they want to get into the cup finals:
- An available top pair RHS D on a cheap contract
- Extra cap space for bad contracts (Lyubushkin)
- Good middle 6 forward depth that could be cost effective
But the thing is, the Flames do not need spare parts from the Stars:
- Bourque was interesting if we could steal him for a 3rd round pick offer-sheet but he certainly is not the cornerstone of an Andersson trade.
- The Stars 2027 1st doesn't have much value as it is likely to be 28-32.
- Robertson is only interesting to the Flames if he can be immediately flipped for a quality C (or if Huberdeau's contract somehow disappeared)
The other teams interested in Andersson can probably beat the Stars "spare parts" offer.
Aside from that, trading Johnston makes it easy for the Stars to keep Andersson, Robertson, and Harley next year. Even with the cap going up, Robertson and Harley are likely going to want close to $20M combined (12+8?) and if Andersson also expects 8+M then they are over the cap again.
The cost is steep but it does enable a strong team core that can go after the cup multiple times over the next 5 years.