Quote:
Originally Posted by BrennyBaller
Why does signing Hall mean trading Gaudreau? Why not sign Hall and load up the roster for a year to go for it? If the season goes off the rails, trade Johnny at the deadline. Or after the season when he still has a year left on his deal.
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Because building your forward core around 1 offensive-minded C and 4 wingers is just a terrible idea ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina
Lots of assumption there. I would be trying to trade Johnny to expand the window further.
"Futures" doesn't mean picks or prospects, could mean a young roster player reading to take a step.
Or a combination.
Also young players drafted with high picks are entering the NHL and making an impact faster than ever.
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So much this. It seems 99% clear that this core isn't going to work (at least not through May/June). Love Gaudreau, but he's never going to be the straw that stirs the drink on a cup contender (which isn't to say he can't be a hugely important piece).
Quote:
Originally Posted by VilleN
I don't see a scenario in which we trade Gaudreau and receive a young roster player that would have an equal to greater impact than Gaudreau currently has.
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This is guaranteed to be true, and that's okay. Boston got three bags of pucks for Thornton, yet were legit contenders within 5 years. Obviously we want to make a much better trade than that, but it also shows that all hope is not lost if Gaudreau goes on to win Art Ross trophies and the first 'Plan B' doesn't work.
Nylander or Reinhart stand out as the available pieces that fit the 'window extension re-tool' idea. I'm very skeptical that either will become 'great', but I think either (or a similar player) would absolutely be the right move.