Is Mackinnon an absolute lock to be a star 1st line center? Nothing in life is certain except when I remember the name Alexander Daigle. 3 first round picks can turn out to be very little as well.
What about offering for Alexander Pietrangelo these 3 first rounders? It's a pretty sure thing. Obviously the offer would not be accepted, and then threaten to submit an RFA proposal in the range of $6,728,781 To $8,410,976.
St. Louis is then strapped and you can go after the other RFAs on their team.
It is about taking risk and reward. Draft picks are certainly an excellent way to build a new core team but it takes years and could end up following the Islanders or Oilers model.
If the chance is there to get a 'sure' thing in Jones or Mackinnon, go for it.
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