David Backes would be overpaid as a 3rd line centre (which is what his play has devolved to at this point)

I also don't buy that you would get a resurgent Jeff Skinner for Motown's answer to Joffrey Lupul and a B-prospect. You're attaching a value to a guy signed until 2020 who played 2 games last year... and hasn't played a full-ish season since 2011-12. #JustSayin

If Athanasiou doesn't get a full time gig this year do the kid a favor and trade him. Blashill is terrible. AA is a player many teams would kill for. Wasting him away like Blashill is doing is just stupid

That trade. You know the Canes are trying to win too. Franzen may be injured forever.

Skinner has been the subject of trade rumors for years, plus losing their best player in Staal doesn't help the 'winning' case. Unless they make a run at Stamkos or wait until the plethora of talented forwards hits free agency next year, might as well sell on Skinner

I'm not saying that Skinner isn't going to be traded, but certainly not for what you offered. Eric Staal may have been the best Cane at some time but not last year and not for a few years. See the Canes record in recent years, certainly losing Eric doesn't hurt their "winning" tradition.