These are just some ideas for trades prior to the start of the season or in the early going. Other trades for Neal, Perron, possibly Marchssault and some of the FA signings can and will follow at the deadline.
The idea behind the trades was simple, move the excess defensemen with expiring contracts now and a couple of their glut of centers. In return look for solid prospects (though not stars) and 2nd-4th rd picks, with as many as possible coming in 2018.
As for the other teams the reasoning behind the moves are as follows:
Pittsburgh desperately needs a 3C, Eakin at a discount makes a lot of sense.
Ottawa- Needs a LD in their top 4, and a stay at home defender like McNabb makes sense and can fit their cap.
LA- They are thin defensively as they haven't replaced McNabb, they get a solid middle pair LD in Sbisa.
Car- Their top 6 defense is set with 6 young promising defenders, but Garrison could offer a nice 1 year veteran mentor as the 7th defender who gets some spot starts. This could be key if they do make a run to the playoffs having that leadership. Lindberg is the bigger piece of the deal, while Carolina doesn't need another 3C, Lindberg has shown an ability to score and he could be deployed on the wing giving them an additional scoring threat.
NJD- they are desperate for defensemen and while they feel like a long shot to contend, they probably don't want to just cobble together a unit from waiver pick-ups. Cheap veteran addition here.
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
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