I know most won't like my idea and that Eddy isn't worth **** and Anderson is completely overrated. The fact is when it comes to trades (and subsequent values) there is no rule or standard that is applied. There are only two factors in play - supply and demand along with perceived value. With the case of Edmundson, two thing are sure at the deadline: there will be demand for that type of dman (big, physical, can play lots of minutes, great leader) and someone will overpay because of the perceived value he may bring to a contending team. Plus, he'll have another year on his contract which doesn't make him a rental. And, if MTL were to retain half, that increases the return as well. Teams like Edmonton, LA, Devils, Islanders and potentially the Capitals could all use a defenseman like Eddy.
I choose the LA deal where MTL take less of a return on Eddy (no first round pick or high end prospect) and we take back a veteran righty that fills a hole this year and next until Barron, Mailloux are ready.
Now, I know what all of you will say about the second trade - Anderson is garbage and has an anchor contract and no way LA gets rid of Kempe. Now granted, I don't get to watch a lot of LA games but I remember reading on this site that Kempe had been used a lot on the third line. My thinking is then, maybe he's a player that has fallen out of favor or simply that the emergence of Vilardi, Kaliyev and with Byfield coming along with their other young stars, Kempe becomes a player that can be traded more easily. Not saying Kings have to or should do it but maybe it stings less with all those young stars coming/performing well.
As for the comparison, even though Kempe is two yrs younger, they have pretty identical stats; games played are similar and Kempe only has 25 ish more career points than Anderson. THey both have the same cap hit and for the extra year in term that Andy has, MTL adds the fourth round pick and two prospects. Kings don't lose much speed in their lineup but gain some more physicality. I truly believe that if Andy was in a different market playing with a better team, he'd be a 25 goal, 45-50 point player. Plus Bergy is now with LA, maybe he can convince Blake to make the deal.
Habs would then get the LW with speed and scoring touch that could complement Suzuki and Caufield on the first line.
As for the rest of the lineup, forwards on the Taxi squad fight for a spot on the team out of camp with Pitlick and Ylonen. Pezz is the 13th/14th forward no matter what. If MTL can moved either Pitlick, Armia or Hoffman prior to the start of next season, it just gives the young guys more of a shot.
Barron can be sent down whenever since he's still waiver exempt. If he has a good camp, he starts the year in the bigs if not, he gets sent down.
This team continues to learn and be somewhat competitive. The kids keep learning and it gives more time for our prospects to mature. Another rough year ahead but with light at the end of the tunnel.
Anyway, just some thoughts on the Habs. No idea how this upcoming trade deadline pans out.
this trade gets talked about while they do the Edmundson deal at the deadline. MTL agrees to less of a return on Eddy but with the idea this deal gets done later.
I don't have any issues with a Walker+3rd for Edmundson swap. Take Wideman out, we have no need for him.
The Kempe trade is pure fantasy. I'm not sure where you're reading that Kempe has been "on the third line", but it certainly wasn't from any LA fans. The only stable linemate for Kopitar the past 2.5 years has been Kempe, and he's blossomed with the role. The Kings have actually placed Fiala on the third line before moving Kempe. He's a 1st liner for LA, and has a 35 goal season under his belt while being on pace for 30 again this year.
Josh Anderson isn't a terrible player by any means especially when he's healthy, but he's paid too much to be so injury prone and unreliable (specifically in terms of availabilty). And the speed difference between Anderson and Kempe isn't minor. Moving Kempe would effect the entire Kings entry system, especially on PP. There's a reason they signed him.
Finally, the Kings aren't exactly on the contract limit of 50, but they aren't going to limit their ability to sign guys next year by taking on 5 contracts and only sending out 2 of their own.
My esteemed friend @PuckLuck_77 has covered most of the important ground, but I have this to add: the only conceivable justification for trading Adrian Kempe would be to address the Kings' glaring need at LhD, and this proposed trade sequence doesn't do that. Joel Edmundson is not a sufficient answer to that long-term problem.
Montreal is not trading Eddy unless they get a 1st+ worth of value back. Even noted Leafs reporter Chris Johnston has said Eddy will get a 1st + back.
Montreal isn't trading Anderson, they have no reason to do so and don't want to move him anyway. It's the keyboard warriors on this and many other fan sites that undervalue him. Trading the best power forward Montreal has had since they traded away LeClair would be as stupid as a move as the LeClair trade itself.
Montreal is not trading Eddy unless they get a 1st+ worth of value back. Even noted Leafs reporter Chris Johnston has said Eddy will get a 1st + back.
Montreal isn't trading Anderson, they have no reason to do so and don't want to move him anyway. It's the keyboard warriors on this and many other fan sites that undervalue him. Trading the best power forward Montreal has had since they traded away LeClair would be as stupid as a move as the LeClair trade itself.
I was just taking a look at the last 3yrs of trades and only 2 trades have been made in the last 3yrs for defenseman involving 1st round picks and those were Hampus Lindholm and Ben Chiarot. Lindholm is far superior the Edmundson and Chiarot is comparable to Edmundson. So if MTL gets lucky and finds a SUPER desperate team like Florida was when they traded for Chiarot MAYBE they can get a 1st but it definitely wouldn't be the Kings.
MTL declines the 1st trade, LA declines the 2nd trade.
A pushing 30 LD for a pushing 30 RD does absolutely zip for a rebuilding MTL squad.
I'm not an LA expert but I would imagine Kempe doesn't go anywhere without at least one 1st going back to LA, if they were even to trade him at all. Love the player, but that isn't gonna get it done.