Kuz + R. Smith for Nug + Zucca

[Notashotasu]

I got offered this trade from a GM in our league who seems to be panicking a bit from slow starts (I currently own Kuz and Smith). I should mention that our league allows 12 veteran keeps per year.

For me, R. Smith and Zucca would be 1 year guys, I don't foresee myself keeping either unless they have stellar years. In that regard, for this year only I feel like Zucca will be the more likely producer.

Kuznetsov would be a borderline keeper for me (again, depending on play), and Nuge would almost definitely be kept.

I'm leaning heavily toward accepting, but I would love some advice.

[rangerfan2430]

I'd accept it. I think Nuge will have a really good year

[Notashotasu]

Thanks. What do you think about targeting Huberdeau or Stepan, over Nuge? For this year, and future years? I noticed they are also starting semi-slow, but I'm not sure what their value is compared to each other.

[Axeman33]

Personally I like the trade for but I am curious, if you don't feel Kuznetsov and Smith are keepers for you, who do you think your keepers are. And if RNH and Zucarello become keepers for you, who won't you be keeping in order to make these guys keepers.

[Notashotasu]

Most likely my 12 veteran keepers would be: Varla, Lehner, Pavel, Backstrom, Landy, Wheeler, Nyquist, Karlsson, OEL, Risto, Bergeron, 12th is open, and Nuge could slide in there. This is my first year playing fantasy hockey, so I could be way off base on those.

I should add, with Ramo going on waivers, I picked up Ortio as a FA, and the guy who has Nuge/Zucca has Hiller and basically no other goalies. So, I may counter offer him Pavelec, R. Smith, Kuz for Hiller, Zucca, and Nuge. If he thinks it's too much, I may change out Pavelec for Varlamov.

[Axeman33]

Right on. I like the deal for you.

[Notashotasu]

Do you think Varla for Hiller, when I have Ortio, is a good idea? I feel like I may be selling low on a goalie that has shown, at least over the past 2 years, that he can put up solid numbers behind a pretty terrible team.

[Axeman33]

No, I wouldn't touch Hiller at all. Keep Varly.

[Notashotasu]

Awesome, thanks.

[Notashotasu]

Sorry, last question I promise. If I can swing Pavelec instead of Varla for Hiller, since I already have Ortio, would you do that trade?

[Axeman33]

I'd still keep Pavelec. I simply don't think Hiller has much value right now. There would have to be one hell of a sweet additional piece to make me want to take Hiller on right now because it's like you are taking on an asset that's just not worth much.

[Notashotasu]

Thanks again. You've been a tremendous help.