Quoting: OldNYIfan
As much as I love Rakell, and as much as I love my Ducks, Rakell doesn't = 7th overall pick. Maybe Anaheim adds Jacob Larsson?
I don't think it makes sense for Buffalo to trade that pick. Here's a deal I could live with that doesn't cost you it:
Jokiharju
2020 second
2021 second
{That may be the first time I've ever used those two pronouns in succession}
I don't think moving Jokiharju is an option for us... I'll take the known commodity of his stature over the high draft pick, but that's just me.
Understand if not everyone feels the same there, 7th overall is an incredibly valuable pick. And this looks like a great draft class at the top again. But I've watched the Sabres pick 7th or 8th overall time and time again the past decade, and so far we haven't come close to drafting a player like Rakell. (Hopefully Cozens changes that)
Every team's situation is different. Dahlin has 1 yr left on his ELC, and Eichel is in his prime, we can't wait around 3 years hoping for another 7th overall pick to develop. And I can't give up Jokiharju, he's too valuable to us.
Rakell + Larsson for 7th OV sounds really good to me. I can't say no to 2 more Swedes! It's an aggressive move, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
Rakell's contract is the final sealer for me, it offers so much flexibility for the rest of your roster to get a player like that for that price.