by Tanti09 on Thu Dec 27, 2012 3:20 pm
IF the season actually starts this year, I think MG's best strategy is to hold Lou until the trade deadline (which would only be about 5-6 weeks after puck is dropped anyway), and then look at trading him. If they were to trade him as soon as a season was announced, I think the market is pretty thin right now. And if they can afford him under the salary cap (no idea how that will look with new CBA), why not keep him for this shortened year and play Schneids 60% and Lou 40% of regular season with what will be an intense compressed schedule? If Lou starts getting squirrely about playing time and publically (or even privately) moans, then they trade him at the deadline. If he sucks up his pride and agrees to ride out the season, then keep him and have a solid 1-2 punch heading into playoffs.
However, if the Bjugstad deal is on the table at beginning of season, I would say take it. I don't want to hear the names Bozak or Kadri - blah.