I think I’d prefer to keep BOG

Not any good reason to say no to the trade. Centers are typically a bit more valuable than wingers, they are the same height, Kaut could stand to put on about 25 lbs or so. Both projected to be third line players, both from the same draft, both putting up similar AHL and NHL numbers thus far. Basically seem to be equal players in all things but position and Kaut being a bit underweight for his frame, I might ask for a 5th or 6th rounder to balance out, but that may be splitting hairs at this point.

You think Kaut is the same weight he was when he was drafted? They never update those stats. I bet he's pretty close to 200lbs these days.

Kaut disrespected Bednar by dipping out of suicide skates early today. He is toast. He'll get put through waivers and probably picked up by MTL or AZ.

How'd you hear this?

both Hockey Mtn High and DNVR reporting Kaut's poor first day of camp. Both also report Rambo Santa had a good first day, after having a good rookie tournament too. Kaut showed poor conditioning his first camp too, a few years ago; he failed the skating test, flopping around the ice, laughing & making a scene. Not good. Kaut also seemed dejected being interviewed. Conditioning and attitude seem to be issues for Kaut, which is unfortunate; a fresh start is needed.

Ranta, on the other hand, has a very positive attitude. To me, he & Olausson are competing for top F prospect.

Kaut is actually pretty big. He plays a heavy and cerebral game, very similar to Silfverberg actually.

Kaut has struggled to break into the Avs because he doesn't play at the rabid pace that Bednar wants from his forwards. He has NHL skill though and would be a 3rd liner today on many teams.

Groulx is waiver exempt another year and is a center which may favour the Avs, but realistically he tops out as a 4C compared to Kaut who tops out as a complementary middle 6 forward, so the trade is probably fair 1-to-1 overall.

A Peter Baugh tweet yesterday quoted Bednar saying that Kaut stood out from the second group, so it wasn't all bad. Not getting through conditioning (again) isn't a good look though.

Ranta looked on fire in the LA rookie game. He's definitely trying to assert his will on people, to the point that SJ's rookies started to target him to try to quieten him down. Very promising camp so far for him. AJ on DNVR also said there's a seriousness and ambition about him in interviews.

Why? Groulx is the 19th ranked prospect in Anaheim (per Hfboards fan vote). With that in mind wouldn't Anaheim be better off betting on upside with a prospect like Kaut than a depth guy like Groulx given how deep their pool is.