Market value looking higher than normal this year; Will Dubas still be able to add?
As previously reported the Calgary Flames acquired Montreal Canadiens winger Tyler Toffoli earlier today. The move bolsters the Flames' forward group for the stretch run and heading into the playoffs. The Flames are playing great hockey right now.
The move makes me question just how true Dubas' comments about "only having so many bullets in the chamber" will turn out to be as the Maple Leafs GM seeks to improve the team in the coming weeks.
The Habs sent a good player the other way, but in my opinion the return they received was a bit of an overpayment. Tyler Pitlick is a serviceable NHL player, but obviously a 4th line type with only 2 assists in 25 games this season for the Flames. Prospect Emil Heinemann is a former first round pick. The Habs are also receiving a first round pick and an additional pick in the deal. That seems like a lot, given Toffoli's 9 goals and 26 points tallied in 37 games this season.
If this is the asking price for a player of Toffoli's ilk, Dubas may have given an honest answer about what the team's plans are and not having many bullets. He may not have many willing partners to make a move, or at least he may not have enough in terms of the right types of prospects and draft capital to entice other teams to bite on a deal.
Hopefully Dubas and company surprise us with some tricks up their sleeves in order to bolster the lineup and increase the team's depth as we head towards the trade deadline and the playoffs. Tick tock Mr. Dubas.
