Question(s) for people smarter than me.

No need to apologize for posting this question. In my view the smartest people often ask the most obvious questions that others just don’t think to ask, and this is a very good one. Why should we trade Carter when it’s assumed that the return would not equal his value? Especially if we will move Nash and hopefully get more back than what he is actually worth. I can honestly think of only two reasons why Howson would even consider this.

First, he is indeed going “nuclear” as has been suggested by the mere fact that Nash is on the block. If this is the case the re-building strategy may simply be to trade away our biggest assets, so that we can get as much as possible in return and completely start over with young talent and prospects. Since Carter’s NTC kicks in next year (at least I think that’s the case), it is easier for Howson to move him now, rather than later. To me this thinking is fine, although it’s a shame that we may not get as much as we traded away in the first place to acquire him. I also hope that the people yelling to trade Nash and Carter realize that it could take years for the new team to develop.

The other reason is that Carter has a perceived attitude problem, which has strongly been suggested by many, especially Mr. Portzline in the Dispatch. As this is completely built on whispers and (possible) sources that would not publicly say so, I think it sounds somewhat suspect. Firstly, Carter was successful for many years in Philadelphia without any major concerns, other than the insinuation that he may have partied too hard. Secondly, he and his agent completely deny having asked for Carter to be moved and Portzline has actually confirmed this to be true.

Carter’s on ice performance has been acceptable, considering that he has been injured for much of the season, and in the last few games he has arguably been our best forward. He leads all CBJ players in goals per game percentage and is third in points per game percentage. In other words, he is pretty much doing what he was expected to do when he was traded. Sure his year has not been his greatest, but in comparison with Nash I would argue that Carter has been the better player. He furthermore has a 50.8 faceoff percentage and has been a solid if not spectacular two-way center, just like he was in Philadelphia.

With this in mind, and the fact that his salary is relatively cheap for what he brings, I find it strange that Howson would trade him as well as Rick Nash. If he feels there is no other way to re-build the team from the ground up, than I will accept his thinking. But why not keep him around, since we are going to get so much for Nash, and the UFAs plus salary dumps anyway? Why indeed?

Being a fan of the rangers I have seen a ton of Carter in Philly. His reputation is fine on the ice but he has been considered an off ice cancer.

He is said to have a drinking problem but many players that play in Philly tend to drink to heavily. Also he had that scandal about banging hartnells wife then the flyers went on a huge losing streak as hartnell got divorced.( hartnell the chode he is, is the heart and soul of the flyers team)

There is baggage with Carter. He has been said to be unhappy maybe the nightlife in Columbus doesn’t live up to Philly. Or that he went from a contending team to this years last place team has him upset.

I think moving him can be done but not for a good return. Nash’s contract will hinder teams also.