Forget that Montreal would never do that but Gallagher won't waive his M-NTC for Buffalo

Skinner isn't worth 4.5m long term, so Seattle says no. I'm doubting Buffalo is on any teams "trade list", so Gallagher says no. If I'm the Sabres, I would pray Middlestadt is a long term NHLer, and forget about the Gallagher and hope he can continue his current play into his mid 30s.

I can't see Winnipeg having any interest in giving up a young goalie for an older, rental goalie that isn't an improvement.

Skinner might be worth 4.5 if he can put up 25-30 goals. It would be asinine to pay half of it, a buyout in 2 years makes way more sense. Not a botterill fan, its stuff like this, skinner said he wanted to play here or toronto, 40 goals or not, nobody was offering him 9 long term. Who could you possibly have been negotiating against? Mittelstadt doesnt impress me, he finished the year strong under granato, so theres hope. I think theres still some pretty significant questions about his skating, his offense, and if hes gonna stay a center, his defense too.

Thanks for your insight.

I never knew the Sabres reasoning for acquiring a one year rental from Carolina. Sabres were still a lottery team. And then Botterill tried to justified the deal by signing one trick pony Skinner to massive deal(as you suggest who was negotiating against).
I'm still not sure if Skinner and his overall play is worth even 4.5m even he puts up 25 to 30 goals. For the Sabres and their fans...hoping that Skinner plays better.

Why would MTL do that?

Yes 25-30 goals is worth 4.5 million. Every time. Its a steal for a UFA 25 goal scorer. I can't Believe you're even asking. And skinner does score 25 goal avg. a year thought his career. That being said, 9 mil is ridiculous and paying 4.5 off your cap for him to play elsewhere is even dumber than signing him for 9 on the end of his career in the first place.