Why draft picks and prospects?
Both Johnson and Portillo remain unsigned. And while I think Johnson will sign with the Buffalo Sabres, we also need to look at logistics. The Sabres already have a deep defensive rotation at the NHL level, plus Lawrence Pilut and Kale Clague, among others, in Rochester. This makes things fringe for Johnson.
I am almost certain Portillo will not sign. Plus, we saw at development camp last week just how rich the Sabres are in their prospect pool. This puts me at ease if Adams were to trade draft picks for Tkachuk, though I personally would hold onto them since I prefer building teams through the draft.
And evidently, so does Adams. But the unexpected can and will happen. However, you may be asking why the Flames, a contender last season, would trade Tkachuk for prospects and draft picks.
Good question. And my reasoning behind it is this: The Flames will most likely take a step back next season. As mentioned, they already lost Johnny Gaudreau, But the Flames also have three players besides Tkachuk likely heading to arbitration: Andrew Mangiapane, Oliver Kylington, and Matthew Phillips.