(Note: This piece was written and edited before the Toffoli trade, so...just ignore those mentions.)
The period leading up to the NHL trade deadline is synonymous with overpaying.
Every year, we see teams sacrificing their futures to pay for 3rd line rentals or aging 6th defensemen.
Judging by early results, it appears this year will be no different than previous years, and if the Bruins want to play the swapping game, they (and their fans) better get ready to pay.
While these aren’t going to be “apples to apples” comparisons, let's look at some of the more noteworthy deals that have been made so far this year to get a sense of the trade market:
- LA send Jack Campbell / Kyle Clifford to Toronto for Trevor Moore and two conditional 3rd picks (2020 & 2021)
As you can clearly see, the market price has already been set quite high, with most ‘legitimate’ difference-makers commanding at least a 1st round pick and a prospect.