Mete is actually better defensively than he is offensively. The three-way trade is interesting but NJ likely keeps Butcher if they add a D since he's the only good LHD.

Our LD problem will be fixed in a couple years with Norlinder, Struble, Romanov, Harris. So there's no way I'd take Sanderson at 8. I'd go for an offenseman, like Perfetti/Rossi/Holtz

I agree the forwards at that point of the draft are to good to pass up and Montreal has some solid d prospects coming up so there is no need to reach for a defenseman with the 8th pick.

What do you all think the draft pick price would be for Mete? A 3rd?

Interesting takes. Thanks for your feedback. Duly noted!

Mete = high 2nd at least maybe 2nd + 4th or B- prospect

That seems a bit high for a small 3rd pairing LHD who doesn't play (or can't play, due to his size) on the PK. Especially as he doesn't exactly put up loads of points either.

Actually Mete is a second pairing guy and still has potential to put up big points as this is only his 3rd year in the leave and he is only 3rd year in the league and while he lacks size he is sound positionally taking away passing lanes he does need work but would be a solid top 4 option for anyone in need

High second rd pick or mid 2nd + 4th rd pick
He can play on is offside and he’s good defensively, so we can keep him

Mete is a solid #5 right now who can play top4 easily because he’s good defensively. He is still very young to improve is offensive, if he can’t improve is offensive, he’ll remain a #5.

Think Sandis Ozolinch esk but has not hit his stride yet

more

Others have already talked about Mete but just to throw a comparison out there; check out Jared Spurgeon.

At 21 years old Spurgeon had 4 G, 8 A, 12 PTS in 53 GP with an ATOI of 15:04.

At 21 years old (this year) Mete had 4 G, 7 A, 11 PTS in 51 GP with an ATOI of 16:00.

Spurgeon had 6 powerplay points vs. Mete's 1 (Mete doesn't get powerplay oppurtunities).

Mete has never been a minus player in his career despite playing all 3 years on Montreal teams that weren't good enough to make playoffs (until COVID changed everything).

Both dmen are only 5'9", Spurgeon was always a solid young player, but Spurgeon really didn't break out until he was 27. Mete has lots of time to develop still, although he probably will never get the powerplay opportunities that Spurgeon gets (considering Julien hasn't even tried him after three years of sub par powerplays).

Anyways, just wanted to add that to the conversation on Mete.

I don't mind the basis of the trade but NJ should probably be getting a 3rd round pick or a prospect considering Butcher is younger and better offensively than Zadorov

The fact that Zadorov is 6'6'' 225lbs, can skate, defend in transition well, and deliver enormous hits kind of balances Butchers ~30 points. Especially considering that most of those points are on the PP, and without them Zadorov isn't too far off Butchers 5v5 production.

ehh, I've heard from a few Avs fans that say Z borderline sucks defensively and only crushes guys like 3 times a season. I like him but just feel like Butcher still has decent potential. make it a 4th or 5th and I'd do it lol

He's great at 1v1 defense and defending in transition. But in terms of zonal coverage he's poor. The discrepancy in his performances depending on how he's deployed is why he's so polarizing.

Anyways, i'd throw in a 5th to get it done.