Ken Holland is officially a bad GM. This is nonsense. OMG what the hell. 

I'm not sure how Eckholm and Barrie compare as D men, but KH just added $2mil in salary (by my back-of-the-envelope math).

Also, the pre-Trotz-takeover fire sale in Nashville continues apace.

Edm gets a solid dman on a team that could use a solid defense help. When you're one round away from Stanley Cup playoff last year, this makes sense. But.... 

Trades are hard. 

Holland paid a price, 1st rounder, albeit near bottom, 1st round pick prospect, and Barrie and a 4th. Ekholm is signed for 3 more years, but not a bargain. 

All of that said, I'd rather spend late 1st rounders to add the components needed when I have prime time McDavid and Draisaitl in a weak sauce West.

Long story short, Edmonton is a much better playoff team than they were yesterday.