Moderators, could you, please, attach a poll to this thread? Thank you.
Preamble: Personally, I am convinced that having a top-5 defenceman is much more important to a Stanley Cup contender team than having a star forward. I would like to discuss two possible scenarios to determine where the majority of the forum sits on this.
Before you answer the questions, these read the pre-conditions:
Question 1:
- You are a GM of team that lacks both a star (or rising star) defenceman and a star (or rising star) forward. So, you do need and want them both.
- Both are available on the market and to buy either one you have to pay the market price and issue a long-term NTC/NMC contract. Price/term would be similar.
- Problem is, you can only afford one of them in this scenario and you have to make a tough choice.
What would you do:
- Sign a defenceman
- Sign a forward
Question 2:
- You are a GM of team that lacks both a star (or rising star) defenceman and a star (or rising star) forward. So, you do need and want them both.
- You are in a fortunate position to make a draft pick that could get you either a top-rated young defenceman prospect or a top-rated young forward prospect. Both are great kids and their potential is seen as unlimited by all scouts around.
- Problem is, you can only pick one of them and you have to make a tough choice.
Who would you pick:
- Defenceman
- Forward
Would appreciate reading people's reasons for either choice/vote.