Now, of course if the team are outside of playoff contention as we near the Trade Deadline, this all becomes very much the expected course of action.
Typically, any team that knows it’s not making the playoffs will sacrifice some solid depth players, that second-line guy on an expiring deal or the veteran that deserves a chance at the Cup.
You trade away players in return for draft picks or generally B-grade prospects. The sorts of guys that will help you in the future but offer no additional benefit in the short-term. The exact opposite of those professionals you give up on.