Just Some Thoughts

I don’t think Anaheim has any interest in taking on Granlund’s contact.

I second a no on this. Over paid but still useable contract coming back would be fine, but Granlund is a replacement quality liability on the ice at this point, and we don't have an opening in the bottom 6 for him.

">

I don't disagree. Granlund isn't really a fit for Ana. I figured they could eat salary and trade him to someone like Dallas for a 3rd.

It likely takes a second at least and maybe a first to dump granlund. So the trade is Rutta for Gibson essentially. While I’m in the camp that Gibson isn’t worth the risk with what’s left on his contract, I don’t think his value is literally Rutta. Trade doesn’t work.

I understand your opinion there but I think Granlund is effective 2nd RW in the right system. He was fine in Nash and would be good on a team like Dal. He is overpaid but I think if Ana ate 2MM or so, they could get a 3rd for him. Same for Rutta.
So the trade would be:
Gibson + 3.5MM in retention for 2 years for a 1st + 2 3rds.

Gibson is a difficult trade candidate. I think teams want him and I think Ana wants to trade him but both sides are stuck. No one wants to pay a 1st but Ana can't take less. Something like this (with salary moving) would have to be included to get a 1st.