Quoting: MelonVK
I see a lot of people writing overpay, but how often has the selling team actually won these trades involving an elite player of this age? Sure, you can think of deals involving Karlsson, but he was like 29 with a scrotum attached with rubber bands and bubble gum. We don't have to move out of Buffalo to see how the O'Reilly trade went. Joe Thornton comes to mind as well. What are these picks going to be in a few years? Most likely more DeBrusks, Studnickas and Vaakanainens who neither really move the sticks for a team competing for the cup.
I think almost any trade for Eichel will be an underpay. Maybe in 4-5 years there'd be a case for it. The best asset in this trade is Grzlcyk, who's sneakily a #1D in my mind. Swap him for Carlo and I think this is a slam dunk for Boston.
Let's hear it
It is such a pleasure to hear words of wisdom on this site.
You mention O'Reilly to the Blues.
When the trade was made, nearly every pundit thought it was a good deal for both teams.
On January first after the trade the Blues were so excited with the trade, they were discussing breaking up the team at the TDL.
Six months later they are holding the cup.
But you also mentioned the Thornton trade.
In past 15 years or so, I would say Boston has lost three trades by wide margins.
Of course the Thornton deal, but what do they have to show for Wheeler and Seguin?
About the same as the Sabres have from losing Kane, O'Reilly and Lehner.
Three players that the Sabres gave up multiple picks and former first round picks to obtain.
Now have Thompson to show for all of those trades.
I could even add Kessel to the Boston ledger.
Initially it looked as Boston won the trade by a wide margin getting Seguin and Hamilton, but where are they now?
While Kessel got to hoist two cups.
So for Buffalo the past 10 years they have lost both ends of the trades.
When they got the best player in the deal and when they traded that player away.
Boston on the other hand, trades away great players and still manages to be in cup contention every year.
Buffalo is the laughing stock of the league now, it all started when Pegula took over the team.
I imagine when the dust settles the Sabres will have bucket of pucks to show for trading Reinhart, Ristolainen and Eichel.
The same one Boston has for trading away, Thornton, Wheeler and Kessel.
The difference is Buffalo has practice puck, while Boston pucks are from the Stanley Cup playoffs.