I don’t think Brannstrom is the odd man out. They’d only trade him for an upgrade

Merkley might have a higher ceiling, plus they get Simek as a reliable 5-6 Dman on a secure contract. Simek gets a lot of sh1t, but his fancy stats are actully hella good, and he's very effective when he's healthy.

I doubt Flames do that. A center(that we don't need) a RW which is decent but we aren't in a rush and a 1st that could be late

Ottawa didn’t want Merkley back in ‘18 as part of the Karlsson trade and I’d doubt they want him now.

Also if Brannstrom was the odd one out (which I have a hard time buying) what in the world would make anyone think that Merkley wouldn’t be just as far out of favor?

I like Brannstrom. I think the Golden Knights will regret trading him away (I know it was partially to get Mark Stone). Just like how they regret trading Nick Suzuki for Max Pacioretty. It bit them back in their conference finals with Montreal. Nick Suzuki developed into quite the hockey player.

It looks like Johnny Hockey was to replace Kane. I don't want to lose Wiesblatt, our 1st, and Merkley for these trades though. We need our future. I suppose this is only if Sharks are really trying to still "win now" which is delusional.

if the sens trade brannstrom i think its for immediate upgrades to the top 4 defense or top 6 centres, not more propects