As much as I'd like Stone, the cost and uncertainty of retaining him, is too risky. Same goes for guys like Duchenne and Panarin. This year has been great but the core of the team still has too much to prove in the playoffs to be trading multiple high end assets to go for it this year.
I think you can still try and toggle the middle line of trying to really make a deep run (while evaluating the young guys in the playoffs) by making a splash at the deadline, and at the same time keeping crucial assets for the long term success of the team.
Thats why I think you target guys like Nyquist, Krieder, Zuccarelo, Hayes vs some of the other higher end more marquee players.
I would hate to throw in a boat load of chips for a guy like Stone, only to realize Monny, Gaudreau, Lindholm, Tkachuk, Hanifin, etc. still need to gain more playoff experience to really become a true contender. I mean the most experienced bunch of the group is who Gaudreau and Monahan with a total of 15 games.
Let the other teams pay an arm and a leg, and try and snag Nyquist or Krieder. These 2 have everything we need on the 2nd line, some sand paper to their game, speed and skill.
|