17 Mar 2018 01:33:24
It's doubtful if Philadelphia can afford Wayne Simmonds' ($3.975MM UFA in 2019) next contract. He's a consistent high 20's-low 30's goal scorer, great on the power play, and has many intangibles. If Hextall opts to trade him before the draft, I'd propose:

Arizona: Simmonds
Philadelphia: Nick Merkeley, 2018 2nd, Conditional 2019 3rd (if Arizona re-signs Simmonds and he scores 20+ goals in 2018-19)

Arizona's power play is awful, they need veteran leadership, and goals - all of which Simmonds can bring. They also have the cap space to re-sign him.

Anaheim: Simmonds (25% retained)
Philadelphia: Sam Steel or Max Jones, 2018 1st, Conditional 2019 3rd (if Anaheim re-signs Simmonds and he scores 20+ goals in 2018-19)

Anaheim is less likely to re-sign given their cap situation is tighter. Anaheim's power play is also bad and he'd be a great addition to their third line and can easily play up the roster if necessary. Anaheim is a borderline playoff team this year, but they've had abysmal injuries and will likely be better next year.

1.) 17 Mar 2018
17 Mar 2018 12:29:43
I think the Arizona one is bad. The ducks one is closer. Think of the forwards that moved this year at the deadline, like statsny as a rental (1st, prospect) Kane as a rental (cond. 1st, 4th ans prospect), Tatar with some term left (1st, 2nd ans 3rd) and Hartman (1st, 4th and prospect) . Simmonds with a year left, especially in the one you have Philly retaining off his already great cap hit is worth more. Merkeley and a 2nd isn’t close. They would just keep him for a playoff run and let him walk if that’s the return.

2.) 17 Mar 2018
17 Mar 2018 13:19:15
Arizona are still in rebuild mode
And Ducks ain’t giving top prospect + 1rd pick lmao.

3.) 17 Mar 2018
17 Mar 2018 13:33:25
Unbiased Jim:

I tried to design both trades as though the return was even ie Steel or Jones/ Ducks 1st = Merkeley/ Arizona 2nd given the conditional picks are near the same where both teams would finish in next year's standings. The salary retention evens it out a bit more but Anaheim needs it more than Arizona. Simmonds will likely walk for Anaheim but Arizona is where he can get paid. Given your rental return, I think I may be undervaluing Simmonds (I'm a Flyers fan btw) ; I just didn't want to be the prototypical homer on here ie Simmonds for Dahlin+.

Keyhabs

I don't think the Coyotes are actually in rebuild mode. They got rid of Tippett last year and traded a high 1st (7 OA if my memory is correct) and Deangelo for Rantaa and Stepan. I think they want to move talent into the present to become respectable again. I think this fits.

I put in Merkeley because he seems to be a Hextall type player: great hockey IQ, centre who can play wing, not afraid to get into the dirty areas, great vision and playmaking. He's Travis Konecny 2.0.

4.) 17 Mar 2018
17 Mar 2018 15:27:24
Yeah. Your reasoning makes sense. I think that when a player like Simmonds becamomes available, a lot of teams will bid. And when a player like him that makes less than $4 mill is available, just about every team is able to make that cap number work in an offseason deal. Having 20+ teams interested is going to get the price up.