How does this trade make any sense for the Ducks? You are taking 2 A prospects in Larsson and Comtois.

This trade is way off.

It's trading future for present. It makes sense because the window for the Ducks to win another Cup with Getzlaf, Perry, Kessler and Cogliano is closing over the next 2-3 years. Pacioretty is 3 years younger than the first three and would fit under the cap on re-signing. Byron is 5 years younger and faster than most anyone on the Ducks, which was a clear deficiency last year. Reilly is better right now than Larsson, though Larsson's upside is higher. Comtois and Larsson are the only sure bets. Jones is lagging in the skating department and needs time (think Kerby Rychel) and Groulx is a typical 50/50 second-round prospect.

It's a pretty easy question for the Ducks. Are they in any kind of a win-now window or are they going to cruise along?

The issue is, if Patches doesn't re-sign then the Ducks basically gave all that away for nothing. I would rather have Larsson, Jones, and Comtois then 1 year of Patches.

GMBM also said he would not trade the future away for a rental player. There was a reason why he didn't go out and grab any players at the TDL last season and hasn't made a big splash in FA. Larsson is 21. Reilly is 25. I hope Reilly is better than him. Still not trading away Larsson for that package and no extension on Patches.

Yes, Patches and Byron are younger but so are Steel, Terry, and Jones who could all make the jump to the NHL this year. Once again no need to trade the future away right now. Plus, if Kesler is out for the whole season you don't make this trade and you let the kids come up and play to gain experience.

Byron is no better than Cogliano. I would rather keep Cogs before trading for Byron. Larsson has a higher ceiling than Reilly. The trade then turns Patches for Jones and Comtois. On paper is an okay trade but you still need that extension from Patches before you pull the trigger