Would take this one any day as a Sens fan. Drouin might do better in a less pressure situation and the Sens love players from the NCAA lately. I like Thomson but ok with giving him up as part of the deal.

Don't know Thomson but I would refuse this as Drouin contract expires anyway this summer if he's not returning. It's not good deal to take Zaitsev contract on.

Thomson is a quality RD prospect, 1st rounder in 2019. This helps our RD imo. Zaitsev has 1yr left so we either play him and continue the tanking/rebuilding or bury/retain on him next year for a small return. Either way Thomson is the prize in this trade and we move pieces of excess on our roster (wingers and LD) for positions we need (RD & RD prospect). Zaitsev might be trash but so is this team for another year or two so it's not a terrible plan to me. It's just a creative way to garner a piece we need without spending high quality assets.

Thomson > Zaitsev, Drouin, Struble.

While I won't argue about Drouin and Zaitsev how can you say they Struble is not a good defensemen ? Yes he's another LD but still he could be a really good prospect. I would like to see him for about 100 too 150 game professional (NHL or AHL) before deciding to trade him.

The guys was the most Athletic player of is year draft that count for something.

I never said Struble isn't a good defenceman?

We need RD prospects, not more LD prospects. Thomson > Struble imho anyway. Not that he's bad, but I feel Thomson is better/the better fit.