Quoting: HatterTParty
Definitely don’t mind that cat trade, the only issue is the players. I know Suzuki, but I don’t know the other two, how would you grade them prospect wise or otherwise.
Ponomarev is fairly high up on the canes prospect totem pole. Personally speaking, I have always been rather high on Ponomarev, and my comparison is to another Canes prospect in Drury. Ponomarev has a slightly higher floor than Drury in my opinion, but has a slightly lower ceiling than Drury. Canes are very unlikely to trade Drury, and I have never been completely sure on the future of Suzuki, whether he is in a canes jersey or not.
Keane on the other hand, is a RHD drafted by the Rangers and acquired by the Canes by trading Gauthier. It was a positional trade to help both teams. Keane has been consistently above .50 points per game in the AHL, and is looking like he is close to being ready to make the jump to the NHL. If I had to compare Keane to another canes prospect, it would probably be Lajoie, who is currently playing with the Canes as a call up due to COVID protocol. It is currently looking like Hiemosalmi will end up being better in the future than Keane, but Keane will likely crack the NHL before Heimosalmi.
Keane if needed, could probably provide immediate help on the blue line, and Suzuki might be ready for an NHL role by next season, and Ponomarev might be ready next year, but will most likely end up taking at least 2 more years to develop.