Hey guys,

With the Rangers having landed Nash for Dubinsky, Erixon, Anisimov and a 1st rounder (likely bottom 5), I think there are probably lot s of people thinking that now we can really max out on Ryan, considering that he seems to be the only top3 forward left on the market (or at least with rumored availability) and at least 10 teams having a need for such a forward. The problem I foresee though is that Howson was not able to get more for Nash. I know there are a couple of things that led to this: it was clear that Nash really wanted out (not just maybe like Bobby) and there was considerable pressure to deal him. Also his cap hit and age (comparative to Ryan) would work in that direction. Nonetheless: I think it is once again an example of how little large market GMs are wiling to give up to land a top player from a small market team. Philly is trying to give Nashville next to nothing and Howson has tried dealing Nash for "equal value" for at least 3 months with no result. No one will give us a really strong return that will work out today, because everyone trading for Bobby wants to win today and not tomorrow. Plus no one will give up their number 1 prospect. It will always be a mixture of the number 2-3 prospect, a potential first rounder and a no 4-6 forward. Krejci will not be dealt by Boston, SJ does not offer up Couture and Pavelski is even unlikely and Philly will not fork over Couturier or any Schenn.

At least if that is the truth, I think it makes more sense to keep a young top 3 forward who may be a bit grumpy at times and not always unselfish on the ice, but signed for a lot of years at a reasonable cap hit. Plus (at least if we can spend a bit more), Getzy, Fowler and Perry would probably be more willing to sign again with a team that has a Bobby Ryan than one that has Jakub Voracek and Matt Read... Of course, if we need to trade him so we have even the dollars to re-sign the other two, then he is the odd man out. But at least Ryan cannot just walk away in Weber (?) or Suter fashion in the next few years, so I think it makes more sense now to keep him, got with our young line up (that we have so aptly put together in the other post) and only consider moving him if a top d man or center becomes available, which I do not see happening now... Your thoughts?