Kapanen will probably not be qualified. That is a large overpayment for RFA rights maybe just a 3rd or 4th. I also think Vancouver would pay more for Marino.

don't think that is much of an upgrade for the Sabres and Joki and power are slated to pair together. So I don't see them doing that trade.

Sabres need RHD, trading Jokiharju for Marino is certainly a marginal upgrade yet leaves a hole on the right side.

We'd counter with Fitzgerald + 1st for Marino.

No, we’re keeping Fitzgerald too. You might be able to persuade me to offer the Vegas first rounder for Marino, but that’s pretty iffy.

I'm not keeping Fitzgerald if it means getting Marino. It would be the Panthers pick.

Think 28th should be enough for Marino, if not throw Johnson in. Can play both sides, will be cheap for a few years for them, and if he doesn't sign they get a 2nd rnd pick next year.

I like the trade as is. Looks like an upgrade over Joker and dumping Bjorkie is a plus as well as it makes room for the addition of a player (UFA?) who can actually contribute something to the forward group.

Am of the opinion the Sabres should keep all their first rounders this year. Continuing to fill the prospect pool with four of the top 41 picks bodes well for the future of the club.

Dumping Björk to free up the roster spot is only a minor convenience. You can always dump him in Rochester to free up the roster spot if you can’t trade him away. His remaining cap hit at that point is inconsequential.

Let's cut to the chase, forget my opinion that dumping Bjorkie as a bonus, the big question is whether Marino is an upgrade over Joker on the right side?

Do you make the trade as laid out by the author?

Is Marino better than Jokiharju? Yes, but I’m still not giving him up. Can’t fill one hole by creating another. So no, I don’t make the trade as laid out here.