Quoting: Devil
Guys like Mercer, L Hughes, and Holtz won't be on the table for Fiala trade (along with J Hughes, Hischier, Hamilton, Bratt). The 5th pick is more likely to be offered. Fitzgerald said he's willing to trade the 5th pick, not any of those young guys. I could why people think Holtz could be on the table but it seems like a weird move to trade a young winger with a ton of potential for an older winger
Because you're hoping Holtz is potentially as good as Fiala is in 3 years time. Which there is no guarantee of. Fiala is the known and legitimate impact player.
But by your own GM's admission, your team's goal is to compete for a playoff spot
Next year. Not in three years time, where it's entirely likely that 2022 1st is close to making the roster or wondering if Holtz pans out, but next year.
Fiala is the better player
NOW. That fits your teams goals and franchise heading more than a prospect who has yet to stick on a NHL roster on one of the worst teams this year.
Holtz is a young player close to being NHL ready and who's ELC would be highly valuable to making it through the next 3 years of deadcap.
It's win-win for both sides involved.
That said, the 1st could more beneficial due the increased flexibility of picking something that we want.