Would rather have Ylonen. He is pretty good

Especially with Newhook going down last night.

Can't see Chinakhov getting traded any time soon. They've finally put the Russian line together of Marchenko-Voronkov-Chinakhov and they've been good. Chinakhov's issue was icetime and opportunities and he's getting plenty of both now. There isn't gonna be a trade request.

So Arizona who is presently holding down a WC spot, trades their 3C to a team who’s coming for that spot, retains, and gets two cap dumps and a nothing prospect in return? Wouldn’t hold my breath on that.

Breaking down the Columbus trade:

Peeke is available because we have too many defenseman, so Broberg and Niemeläinen would be worth more to other teams. They're not really a selling point for Columbus considering they'd be just as likely to sit or be sent down.

Chinakhov has been good recently, and is getting more opportunities. Even given the rumors, I'd be more surprised to see him moved than if he actually made a trade request and then subsequently rescinded it.

Columbus wouldn't be interested in retaining on Merzlikins for 3.75 years, even if it is $1M. Theoretically the contention window is open by then, and given the state of his play it would be more likely for Campbell to be bought out than to actually play the remainder of his contract, so retention plus a buyout would be a lot to swallow. That much retention for that long is probably worth the 2nd, so you could probably drop both.

Columbus is probably only interested in Campbell if we can get an unprotected first this year. Anything later doesn't really help us contend when we want to, and anything protected kills the interest in the trade. If you really think you're a goalie away from making the playoffs, prove it by leaving the pick unprotected. Otherwise, why are you trading for a goalie? You're in the position of need and need to win now, if you fail, that's to our further benefit. It's harsh, but that's the way I'd spin it from Columbus' standpoint.

IMO, Columbus counteroffers Merzlikins and Peeke for McLeod, Campbell, this year's unprotected 1st, and a 2025 3rd, with no retention anywhere. If we need to involve a third team to retain on Peeke, so be it, but Edmonton pays the mid/late-round pick to retain. Peeke for McLeod to make the salary more even, the 1st to dump Campbell's contract, and the 3rd to get Merzlikins (who's been great recently).

I like ylonen, but lavoie is a big bodies finisher which probably fits the habs needs better. Has not shown it in the nhl but could be a low cost reclamation project for the habs with his ahl numbers and chl resume.