Quoting: Xspyrit
Dear Lord, someone doesn't understand the basics of a market : supply and demand.
It was funny to read such contradiction : "The demand for these players are ludicrous. Ottawa will be lucky to even get a blue chip prospect and a high round pick in any return."
If the demand for these players is gonna be high (and it will if they are indeed available), then it means there is a market of many teams trying to acquire them and the highest bidder would get the player, unless of course they have stupid restrictions like "not trading him in the East".
Also, ridiculous that people are using Evander Kane as a trade comparable. Everybody knows that Kane's value was affected by a lot of stuff, while not being as good as Stone and Duchene. Dzingel's value is closer although RD doesn't have dark marks on his name.
Also funny that the word "realistic" was used in the tittle. I mean, in these proposals, Dzingel gets as much in return as Stone and Duchene? How realistic is that?
Alright, I'm just a salty Sens fan who knows that Ottawa will not get nearly what they are expecting for these guys. (Realistic of me to think this given recent events).
Personally, I'd really like a 1st this year, a top defensive prospect, a young roster forward with potential and maybe another pick or prospect. All of Ottawa would have a bitter-sweet taste if that were the return. (They would much rather have Stone and Duchene stay...) But, I know, somehow, Dorion will get fleeced because he can't bargain from a position of power when he knows he'd lose these guys for nothing in FA. Melnyk won't/can't pay them. Melnyk will also veto any trade in the east (hence Karlsson trade). So that leaves... three teams that can afford their services?
Any team would love to have Stone, Duchene, Dzingel, etc... but no team will trade the farm and then some to get them. No team in recent history has traded the farm for a UFA. Nash deal is a comparable. Kane deal is a comparable. Maybe Martin St-Louis as well.
I'd like to say Dorion will settle for nothing less than what he is wanting, but that will just scare off all GM's interested (sticker shock) when there are cheaper options out there who fill the same roles (Simmonds, Nyquist, Hayes, Zuccarello). Not saying they are better than what is mentioned, just saying they are and will be cheaper. Dorion will look silly with expiring contracts an no assets in return. Specially if Duchene walks.
Also, how many playoff bound teams can afford them without dumping a major contract in return? Melnyk is looking to save money hence why he doesn't want to pay his stars. (From what I hear, it's more money structure then contract length and AAV. Signing bonuses and the like).
If Ottawa lands something exciting and is actually really good for the future, then I'll gladly accept defeat and say "you were right". Until then... well. Salt.
I'll be more careful when wording my posts next time.