Mesar and a 2nd is the most id give up. That Calgary pick could be top 10 with how they are going

This is where I'm at too. And it would have to be COL 2nd (2024).

Chances are that Mesar will be way better than Kidney though. No?

If we move one of our top 9 wingers it wouldnt be for a pick 2 years away tbh

Get out of your head that NYR has the smallest will to trade away Laf.

If MTL wants him, they'll do an offersheet. MTL 1st+3rd

Could be. Just as long as a 1st isn't being used, I have no problem with Mesar or Kidney + COL 2nd.

NYR aren’t trading Laffy unless it’s an overpayment. If MTL keeps 5th overall and Smith is available, there could probably be a conversation for a swap.

IMO, even at this stage, Smith looks more promising than Laf.
Would never swap them, that would be an overpayment for a guy that's barely having an impact on his actual team, 3 years in.

I get what you’re saying but you are still talking abt a 21 year old that can put up ~40 points a year. Yeah Not what you want from a #1 overall, but there is still another level that he had in the qmjhl that he hasn’t hit in the nhl. While it gets more unlikely every year that passes without hitting it, it’s still too early to write him off completely. Even if he maxes out as a 60 point forward, those are still very useful. I do get what you are saying about Smith though, which is why I used that pick as the example of one where NYR would be forced to consider the trade. They have a lot of middle level prospects already, so it would have to be quality more than quantity if they were getting rid of Laffy due to his potential.