Plekanec a dump with no value to Anaheim. Anaheim in a win now mode so keeping Rackell vs. Lehkonen and picks only makes sense.

Plekanec isn't a dump. He's a veteran 3C with a lot of defensive acumen and leadership for youth. He won't rack up points anymore, but he still posted 28pts this season despite an abnormally low shot% (according to advanced stats, this is bound to bounce back at least a little), which is on par with the average 3rd liner.

But if you're fine with the trade without him, sure thing. We can use his talents.


Personally, not convinced this trade is worth it, but I wouldn't be mad if I saw this in sports news tomorrow morning.

We take them what is their 3rd line center now so pleky can patch this spot for them. They also get Lehko and picks, this is why ANA would do it

Anaheim likes Rakell on Getzlafs left wing. They aren't trading him

Hmmm.. let's see. Rakell is a 30+ goal scorer at $3.8M for the next 5 years.

So yes! Gimme some of that Plekanec and picks. His veteran leadership and steady play will be needed to steer these young Ducks deep into the playoffs.

Hahah I love the sarcasm. This trade is awful for Anaheim. This certainly makes them worse as Raks is one of their most dynamic scorers. And worse for the future, as Plekanec is an overpaid rental and Rakell is on an amazing contract. Keep your picks. This trade is so one-sidedly

Does Rakell even play C? If not I'd definitely rather have Lehkonen, Plekanec, and some picks.

I'd say the 1st and 2nd, as well as Lehkonen's high ceiling (hockey IQ and responsible play) makes this fair value. BUT it does not address your needs at all, because it only adds more risk than anything else. Assuming Lehkonen takes Rakell's spot on Getzlaf's wing, will he replicate the same success? No way to know, and with Rak's excellent contract, there's no need to find out. Too risky for ANA.

As for MTL, can Rakell even play wing? I wouldn't be surprised if his goal scoring numbers are inflated because he played on Getzlaf's wing. Maybe this kid is just a snipe machine, and that's all? If that's the case, then we're just possibly upgrading on Lehkonen in scoring, but downgrading on Lehkonen in defensive responsibility. With already Galchenyuk and Drouin being the defensive weak links, I don't see this working for us either.


But it was still a fun, new take I hadn't seen before, and that's fine by me.