Quoting: TJTwolf
I understand your point but if Byram is still there you draft him, however much Detroit may or may not covet him, and by that point I'm guessing the trade would need to be a done deal. None of us truly knows how that works, whether they could have a 'just in case' set up. Why trade for Russell and not have him in the team or at least flip him somewhere for a pick? No need to buy him out even if he is only an average D now. As I said, Darling is also unnecessary. Plenty of budget goalies to fill that spot, some who may improve over time, who are younger or simply cheaper and could play a bit. I now see what you've done with the Vegas trade so I'll take back what I said on that one. It's a maybe.
My thing is the avs have expressed that they want to take a forward at 4. Turcotte to Chicago seems close to a lock currently. L.A & Detroit are both teams that would kill for a top D prospect, you can play them against each other, and in this case, move back 2 spots with Detroit and pick up the extra 2nd.
I can see your point on Russel, I personally think he’s a 3rd pairing guy max and Edmonton would likely love getting out of that contract. I think the idea of my initial trade is solid, you’re right though, he likely doesn’t NEED bought out & could be flipped for a pick if the avs retainer some. I just went the clean slate approach, which wasn’t necessary.
Similar idea with Darking, he’s a perfect #3 for Colorado, and I really like Jack Drury as a prospect, & I don’t think they could get a player as good as drury with the 3rd pick. Colorado can afford to pay for Darling.