I fail to se the point of this trade.

We might as well sign Tatar, cheaper and better and cost no assets.

It makes sense for us because if he rebounds the return at the deadline will be better than Stecher, No one is giving up any real assets for Tatar at the deadline but Smith is a really good playoff performer. It makes sense for Vegas because they're over the cap and if they don't get Eichel they need a plan B. They're breaking in Hague on the third pair and they don't have an experienced righty to go with him. Stecher fits the bill perfectly and the difference in salary helps their cap problems.

It doesn't help our defense.

If DDK us unable to play next season (that would explain why Yzerman have signed 8 defenders for the Wings) then losing Stecher hefore the season even starts would make us vulnerable to injuries.

I would also bet on Tatar and Stecher together getting a better return than Smith alone at the deadline.

Isn't Plan B the morning after pill.