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This is how i view the trade. No need to flame. As i am a neutral party. Seeing now i would say that it is 1 first round pick to many. Remove chi 1st and id say its perfect value.
Chicago needs a defense man and a quality #2 c. Plekanec IMO on a good team is easily a 1B center. He plays every single situation and is not a 1 trick pony. Fantastic on the PK, good on the PP and all around a good 2 way center.
Patrick Kane is getting himself into hot water. Hes slowly declining in overall play and is basically a 1 trick pony. Pure offense. He may benefit from playing in a Canadian market (this may mean nothing). Montreal may be in limbo next season, unsure if they want to rebuild or re-tool. By getting McNeil it will replace the #2c in Plekanec on a long term.
Subban is the best player in the deal IMO because he fills the most important role. As a leaf fan, i am well aware that you do not build a team around a winger. A top 2 defense man is much more important.
Montreal is sitting on the #3 pick this year and could very well replace Subban or draft a #1c. With next years draft looking extremely top heavy it may be a wise move to spend the year building some prospects and a young core to revamp the face of the organization. Ultimately setting up another lottery pick.
This trade makes up for the very little offense being taken away from Chicago in Plekanek's intangibles and Subban's defensive composure, physicality and production. Chicago moves back into a top contender IMO, and Montreal sets them self up with a very talented winger and puts them in a great position to have a very rapid rebuild/ re-tool. Montreal has Ellis, Tinordi, Bealieu waiting to crack the line-up, the loss of Subban may (emphasize may) not hurt the team as much as perceived.
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