…‹In this edition of the hotstove, we share our thoughts on the rare three-way blockbuster between Colorado, Ottawa, and Nashville.
Todd Cordell
There are a lot of layers to this trade so I'll share some thoughts from each team's perspective.
…‹Colorado took a lot of heat for how they handled the Matt Duchene trade request but I think Joe Sakic did well getting the haul he did.
…‹Defenseman Sam Girard was absolutely dominant in junior the last couple years and already looks the part of an NHL player. He should be a nice long-term solution on defense for an Avs team desperate for help there. Vladislav Kamenev is posting really encouraging numbers at the AHL level for a player of his age and could very well be a top-6 forward in the not too distant future. They also get a 2017 1st rounder in Shane Bowers, although I think his ceiling is as a middle-6 forward, as well Andrew Hammond and a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick. That's a good return for one player, especially when said player was going to walk after the 2018-19 season anyway.
From Ottawa's perspective, I'm completely fine with the deal. On the surface Kyle Turris, a former 1st round pick (Bowers), a 1st and a 3rd seems like a lot, but the Sens were going to let Turris walk at the end of the year and Bowers is a low-ceiling prospect as far as 1st round picks go and is clearly not one of Ottawa's top guys.
I think Duchene at his best is better than Turris at his best -- there's a reason Duchene has played for Team Canada at the Olympics -- and he brings more speed and dynamic ability to the table, which the Sens could use. Duchene is a couple years younger as well.
…‹From Nashville's perspective, again, I am fine with the deal. I *really* like Girard and Kamenev but Nashville added an established top-6 center to their team without parting with one regular. They have a really good, young core in place, too, so it's not as if trading Girard and Kamenev will destroy their future. They are set up to be very good for a long time.
Quite honestly, I understand the thinking from all three parties and think each side accomplished what they were hoping to. This is an awesome trade.
…‹Jared Crozier You can read my full initial breakdown of the trade from Ottawa's perspective in my post on the main page, but I will look at it from all 3 sides here.
Ottawa got the best player in the deal right now in Duchene, without having to part with their prized almost NHL ready prospects. My concern is how much of an upgrade Duchene is over Turris and if that gap is worth the salary headache the Senators are about to experience.
Nashville upgraded their 2C position with a player who has been a decent #1 for years, without sacrificing their big 4 on defense and instantly become a Cup favorite in my mind with that 1-2 punch down the middle.
Colorado got what they wanted all along in a Duchene deal - picks, prospects and a player or two who can step in now, or very soon. Now it is up to them to put those pieces to good use, but they have lots of chances to hit a home run with the picks and players they acquired.
Right now, I would say Nashville wins, Ottawa could go either way, and Colorado is TBD, depending on how they draft and develop.
James Tanner
When you get right down to it, Ottawa picked up Matt Duchene for a mid-round first (top ten protected) a late first (Bowers was drafted 28th and a third. And Kyle Turris - but he's a pending UFA (or was) that they had no plans on signing, and as such it's incredible they were able to parlay him into anything.
Duchene is almost two years younger and much better than Kyle Turris. The Senators - best players are between 25-30 and so if you're going to take a run at winning, now is the time.
The only question is if it's worth Turris and 3 picks to upgrade to Matt Duchene. I think it is. Not just for the upgrade - which is significant, especially considering Duchene is almost two years younger - but also for what it says about your franchise and their intentions.
Great deal for Ottawa, not sure what Nashville was thinking, and Colorado ends up looking smart for waiting.
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