Let’s break down this most recent cap freeing trade. Marc Savard was acquired in the Reilly Smith deal. He has not played since 2010-11 due to concussions. Matt Cooke put a cheap shot on him. He came back for 25 games but was not himself before suffering his 2nd concussion in 9 months that prematurely ended his career. Savard was a star in this league and prior to his concussion he signed a big deal with Boston. His cap hit is $4,027,143. I wish that Savard suited up for at least 1 game and played 1 shift this year like Gordie Howe did in the IHL at the age of 69. Now he and a  2018 second round pick are gone in exchange for prospects. Savard is officially retired yet his cap hit lives on.

I think this is a good move. We freed up cap space in order to give big contracts to Vincent Trocheck, Reilly Smith, Aaron Ekblad and Jonathan Huberdeau. With Purcell and Hudler most likely gone that frees up $12,527,143 in Cap Space. There isn’t a way to buyout Dave Bolland yet due to him ending the season on the IR, so this helps a lot.However giving up a 2nd round pick I don’t really like that.

Paul Thompson and Graham Black were acquired from New Jersey in this deal. I think these guys are future fourth liners. It’s not much however these guys may surprise us.

All in all it’s a good trade.

Trade Grade: A-