Page 193 of Game Misconduct

Gavin raised an eyebrow. “Nothing’s official yet, no.”

“Okay, but he pretty much said if we got it done this season, he would retire, right?”

Gavin nodded. “Pretty much.”

“So, he’sprobablygone. And Connor’s shoulder is fucked, yeah?”

“Yes.” Gavin ran a hand through his hair. “Surgery is scheduled for next week but he’ll be out for a good chunk of the season.”

“So like, we’re not gonna be repeating or anything.”

“It’s highly unlikely we’ll win back-to-back Cups.” Gavin frowned.

“So maybe this is a good time to, you know … figure out some new stuff for the team’s blue line. And, uh, top forward line, I guess, if Connor’s out.”

Gavin gave him an unamused look. “Since when didyoubecome an armchair GM?”

Tanner shrugged. “Since I fell in love with a Norwegian dude who plays for the Rockets?”

“Right.” Gavin sighed again.

“Look, I know a trade isn’t going to happen right away, and, like, it might not even happen until next season, or whatever,” Tanner said. “I just, I don’t want to be apart from himforever.”

“And you can’t convince him to play for us?”

“I mean, can we afford him?”

Gavin scrubbed a hand across his face. “Not really. I’d have to crunch some numbers but even if Connor was out and we’d get the cap relief of him being on LTIR for a good portion of next season, once he came back, we’d have to move several pieces we can’t afford to lose and?—”

“So …” Tanner said with a grimace. “Me going to the Rockets makes more sense, right?”

“They probably wouldn’t even be willing to move Rasmussen,” Gavin muttered like he was still working through it all in his head. “And fuck, we don’t have the assets to afford him even if they did.”

“Right,” Tanner said.

“Okay. I hear you, Clayton.” Gavin sighed heavily. “I don’t like it, but I hear you.”

“Would you want to be apart from Dakota?”

“No, of course not.”

“Well …”

“I get it.” Gavin scrubbed a hand over his face. “I hate it but I get it. I’ll talk to Finn about the situation and we’ll come up with something.”

“Cool. So, anyway, just wanted to give you a heads-up.”

“Thanks. I think.”

“Well, I know I could’ve just had New York send an offer sheet but I care about the Harriers and I wanted you to get more than just some draft picks in exchange for me. I mean, it’s up to you, of course but I thought it might be better if you got more in return for the trade.”

Gavin gave him a long searching look before he nodded. “No, I appreciate it. That was good thinking.”

“If it helps, I think the Rockets need me,” Tanner said earnestly.

“I know they do. Their blue line is currently held together by a string named Ian Salter.”

“I don’t meanthat. I mean, you’re right but I don’t meanthat.”