Casey Mittlestadt

Makes sense for both teams.

Value wise, yes, it makes sense for both teams. However, Bear can be utilized on the top pairing, but can Mittelstadt be utilized on the top line? I don’t think Mittelstadt can be utilized on the the top line. Bear started out on the top pairing with Slavin, and then DeAngelo was placed with Slavin, with DeAngelo excelling. When DeAngelo was injured, the first person to be put on the top pair was Bear. Mittelstadt I think has only been utilized in the bottom 6 over the course of his career, and there are cheaper and better options elsewhere. I do think Carolina declines though, as they have enough C in the pipeline, and Drury is likely to get the first crack at the lineup before Mittelstadt, so Mittelstadt would have to learn to play the wing.

Another reason I think Carolina declines, there could potentially be a bidding war in the off-season for Bear. If there is, they could end up getting more than what is on offer here. I’m not sayi be Mittelstadt is bad or anything, but I don’t think he would really fit in Carolina’s system, and I think Bear could return more.

Bear is expendable in my eyes, especially with the emergence of Chatfield. I would not be surprised if Chatfield ends up with Bear’s spot next year. It depends on how much teams end up offering.

I think Sabres rather keep Mitts and look for a solution at RHD elsewhere.

You can’t compare if a forward can play top line and a defenseman playing top pairing

Mete with MTL played on the 1st pair with Weber
Ended up on waivers

Alzner played on the 1st pair in WSH with Carlsson
Ended up being buyout

You need to compare their play, salary, age, etc. The trade is fair and make sense