Detailed Explanation of Moves:

Ericsson - A buyout would haunt you for years to come. Since you don't need the cap space yet, just bury him in the minors and consider a buyout next year if you need the cap space

Howard - Retaining his salray sucks, but at least we will only be paying him for the next 3 years instead of 6. Also, The cost to keep Howard would be $5.2M. Cost to get rid of him, retain his salary and sign Enroth is only $3.5M ($2M Retained plus $1.5M for Enroth)

Shattenkirk - He's not a true #1 such as a Doughty or Keith, but he's as close as you're going to get on the trade market. 50+ points would be expected. Paired with DDK, they could form a quality #1 pairing who should play around 25 mins/night.

Prospects - Also, this allows you to hold onto all of your top prospects for the future. Wings currently have quality prospects at all positions. Enough lottery tickets that a few should work out. On D there is Cholowski, Saarijärvi, Russo, Hicketts and on F you have AA, Mantha, Svechnikov, Sadowy, Bertuzzi, Holmstrom & Turgeon. Coreau look like a legit NHL backup that could take over next season.

Ericsson can still play. It would be cool for Det to get Shatty, but why would they trade Nyquist? Him and Larkin are their future.

Can't get quality players for free. This is about the cost of a trade for a player like Shattenkirk. Nyquist is a good but not great player. It's a fair deal. STL won't make a trade without getting a quality roster player (forward) in return. His lose on the offense will have to be replaced by Mantha and/or Vanek. In the end we need an upgrade on D more than we need Nyquist upfront.

Also, Ericsson is not good (no clue what games you were watching last season). I'd rather bury him in the minors than lose Ouellet or Sproul to waivers. At least they have some potential.

Toronto just traded for Andersen, why in the freakin' world would they want Howard?? Just never going to happen. Plus, E won't be bought out or buried. So ridiculous.

Andersen doesn't have experience playing more than 55 games. TOR has already stated theyd like to have a quality vet to play with Andersen. Babcock was always a Howard supporter. With DET retaining that much its a gamble TOR can afford to take. They don't need the cap space this year an wont for the next few. Could work out for everyone. Theres no question Andersen is the starter in TOR, this just gives them some comfort with a familiar face.

They traded Bernier to clear CAP space.. Still not sure why they want Howard. If Detroit is getting Shattenkirk, they are not getting a 3rd round pick as well. St Louis has time and Shattenkirk will be worth more at the trade deadline... similar to Ben Bishop. Value is higher when teams are more desperate. Might as well get the use out of him while they still can.