Same as Dach and Newhook? After a promising first year, he had a disappointing second season. 5th overall, nowhere near his potential yet, I suspect we’re just kicking the tires. Unlike Zegras, Columbus haven’t exactly put Johnson on the market.
We can’t be wanting to trade for young talented players and turn up our nose on every available player.
Dach & Newhook's situations are fun to look at, actually.
Chicago traded Dach to tank even further for Bedard and they might have had concerns about his injuries. We'll see what the future holds. If he turns into a first line winger (I don't think he's a center, but whatever) and has a long career, then they missed their evaluation on the situation. We'll never know if keeping Dach would have prevented them from drafting Bedard, so who knows.
Newhook's a poor example, though. Colorado traded him as a Cup contender because they didn't have the money to sign him. In an ideal world, they would have kept him.
The thing with Zegras & Johnson is, I
can and will turn my nose to them if the asking price is too high. But if you're going to tell me that Anaheim would give me Zegras for Jayden Struble straight up? Then obviously, I'll do that deal and hope for the best. Problem is, though, Anaheim (according to reports, for what it's worth) is asking for either Reinbacher or Guhle in return.
If I can get Kent Johnson for a third round pick, then sure. I'll take that risk. But if the CBJ are trading him for a 1st round pick + a good prospect? Sorry, I'll gladly pass.